LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 

.     269.9 
Un3d 


ii  .  o 


THE 

DOCTRINES 


AND 


DISCIPLINE 


OF   THE 


United  Evangelical  Church, 

FORMULATED    BY 

THE  GENERAL  CONFERENCE  OF  1894. 

HELD    IN 

Naperville,  III. 


1908. 


BOARD   OF  PUBLICATION 
OF  THE 

United  Evangelical  Church, 
hakrisburg,  pa, 


Copyrighted  in  the  year   1895 

By  the  Board  of  Publication  of  the 

United  Evangelical  Church 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction,     7-10 


PART  I. 

The  Church. 

Chapter.  Page. 

I.  Articles  of  Faith.    13 

II.  Christian  Perfection,    22 

III.  General    Rules,    27 

IV.  Special   Rules,    30 

Temperance 30 

Slavery,     31 

Christian   Giving 31 

Marriage,     s^ 

Divorce S3 

Thoughts  on  Singing,   ^^ 

Thoughts   on   Prayer,    34 

Bible    Study 35 

V.  Membership ^y 

Reception   of   Members,    37 

Transfer  of  Membership  by  Certifi- 
cate   :^8 

Certificate  of  Membership  and  Dis- 
missal   38 

Certificate  of  Reception,  39 

Classes  and  Class  Officers,  40 

Stewards  and   their  Duties 42 


4  CONTENTS. 

Chapter.  Paee- 

Sunday-Schools  and  Their  Officers.  43 

Young   People's  Societies 45 

PART  II. 
The  Conferences. 

I.  The    Conferences,     49 

II.  Quarterly    Conference,    5^ 

III.  Annual    Conference.    53 

IV.  General   Conference 57 

Special  General  Conference 58 

^ 

PART  III. 
The  Ministry. 

I.  Ministerial  Qualifications  and  Work.  65 

General   Directions 65 

Spiritual    Qualifications 67 

Evidences  of  a  Call  to  Preach, 68 

Hints   and    Directions,    71 

Effective    Preaching,    73 

Preaching    Places 74 

II.  Reception  and  Station  of  Ministers...  75 

Recommendation 75 

Questions  to  Applicants,    76 

Ministers  from  Other  Churches,  . .  77 

Deacons 77 

Elders 78 

Presiding  Elders,    78 

Bishops,    78 

Itinerants. 79 

Local    Preachers,    79 


CONTENTS.  > 

Chapter.  Page. 

/             Superannuated  Preachei-s, 79 

Supernumerary    Preachers,    79 

Evangelists,     , 80 

III.  Duties    of    Preachers 8r 

Duties  of  a  Local  Preacher 81 

Duties  of  a  Traveling  Pieacher.  ..  81 

Duties  of  a  Preacher  in  Chargj,   . .  82 

Duties  of  a  Presiding  Elder 84 

Duties   of  a    Bishop 85 


PART  IV. 

Church  Trials. 

I.  Trial  of  Lay-members,   89 

Neglect  of  Duty,    89 

Imprudent  and  Sinful  Conduct.  ...  90 

Gross    Immorality,    91 

Causing   Dissension, 91 

Arbitration,  92 

Appeal    of    Lay-members 93 

Right  to  Challenge : 94 

Appointment   of   Plaintiff 94 

President  of  a  Trial,    94 

II.  Trial  of  Ministers 95 

III.  Trial  of  a  Bishop loi 

IV.  Court  of  Appeals 103 

V.  Jurisdiction  and   Evidence 104 

Charges 105 

Withdrawal  Under  Charges,    105 

Evidence  Admissible  at  Trials.    .  .  .  106 


6  CONTENTS. 

PART  V. 

The  Ritual. 

Chapttr.  Page. 

I.  Administration  of  Baptism 109 

Baptism   of   Infants 109 

Baptism  of  Adults,    iii 

II.  The    Lord's    Supper 114 

III.  Matrimony 118 

IV.  Burial  of  the  Dead 121 

V.  Ordination 124 

Ordination  of  Deacons. 124 

Ordination  of  Elders. 129 

VI.  Laying  of  a  Corner  Stone,  141 

Dedication  of  a  Church,  143 

PART  VI. 

Temporal  Economy. 

I.  Support  of  Ministers.    149 

II.  Church   Property,    151 

III.  Articles  of  Incorporation,   154 

IV.  Support  of  Missions, 158 

V.  Publishing    Interest,     159 

VI.  Constitution    of    the    Missionary    So-  " 

ciety i6j 

VII.  Charter  of  the  Charitable  Society,   .  .  169 

VIII.  Church  Extension  Society,   176 

PART  VII. 

The  Lord's  Prayer,   18; 


INTRODUCTION. 


In  the  year  1796,  Jacob  Albright,  yearning  for  the  salvation, 
of  his  spiritually  neglected  German-speaking  brethren,  started 
out,  as  a  humble  layman,  to  preach  to  them  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 
His  labors  extended  over  large  portions  of  Pennsylvania,  and  into 
parts  of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  and  resulted  in  the  saving  of 
many  souls.  He  had,  originally,  no  thought  of  founding  a  new 
religious  organization,  but  finally,  in  1800,  he  yielded  to  the  oft 
repeated  and  urgent  requests  of  those  whom  he  had  led  to  the 
Lord,  and  began  the  work  of  organization.  Three  classes,  in  as 
many  counties  of  Pennsylvania,  were  then  organized.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1803,  at  a  council  composed  of  Mr.  Albright,  his  two  assistants 
and  fourteen  of  the  leading  men  of  the  Association,  Mr  Albright 
was,  in  the  name  of  the  whole  Association,  declared  *'  a  genuine 
evangelical  preacher  "  and  solemnly  ordained  as  such. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  were 
then  declared  their  rule  of  faith  and  practice.  The  need  of  a 
church  discipline  was  soon  recognized,  and  the  conference  in  1807 
directed  the  Rev.  Jacob  Albright  to  formulate  it.  Failing  health, 
terminating  in  death  a  few  months  thereafter,  prevented  him  from 
carr>'ing  out  the  instructions  of  the  conference,  and  the  work  was 
then  undertaken  by  the  Rev.  George  Miller,  and  the  first  edition 
of  the  discipline  was  published  by  him  in  1809.  It  was  largely 
taken  from  the  disciplines  of  other  churches,  notably  that  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  was  issued  in  the  German  lan- 
guage. A  second  edition,  prepared  by  John  Dreisbach  and  Henry 
Niebel,  appeared  in  1816,  and  frequent  editions,  with  many 
amendments,  thereafter. 

In  the  course  of  time,  earnest  differences  of  opinion  as  to  the 
powers  of  the  General  Conference  and  of  the  episcopacy,  more 
especially  the  latter,  arose  in  the  church.     In  1887  the  General 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

Conference  assumed  original  jurisdiction  in  the  case  of  an  accused 
brother,  and  proceeded  to  try  him  in  a  manner  which  called  forth 
the  most  earnest  protestatiops  from  many  of  its  members.  A  writ- 
ten protest,  embodying  their  objections,  and  signed  by  forty-one 
members  of  the  conference,  was  finally  presented,  with  the  de- 
mand that  it,  together  with  the  names  of  the  signers,  be  spread 
upon  the  record  of  the  conference,  and  published  in  the  church 
papers.  Their  demand  was  refused  and  the  protest  ruled  out  of 
order.  As  a  result  of  this,  and  other  actions  of  the  conference, 
an  independent  paper,  named  The  Evangelical,  was  shortly  after- 
wards established,  in  which  those  who  were  denied  a  hearing  by 
the  General  Conference  and  in  the  official  organs  of  the  church, 
might  advocate  and  defend  their  principles.  This  paper  was,  from 
the  first,  most  violently  assailed  by  some  of  the  general  officers  of 
the  church  and  others,  and  its  publication  characterized  as  rebel- 
lion. It  defended  its  right  to  exist  and  the  right  of  its  friends  to 
be  heard.  The  contest  assumed  an  ever  increasing  earnestness 
and  determination,  the  parties  thereto  being  known,  from  their, 
comparative  strength  in  the  General  Conference  of  1887,  as  the 
"Majority"  and  "Minority"  respectively.  The  "Majority" 
finally  entered  upon  a  war  of  extermination  against  the  "Minor- 
ity." For  the  accomplishment  of  this  purpose  the  most  unjustifi 
able  abuse  of  the  powers  conferred  by  the  discipline,  and  the  most 
high-handed  usurpation  of  powers  in  open  and  flagrant  violation 
of  the  Discipline  were  resorted  to.  At  the  head  of  this  "  Major- 
ity "paA>'  stood  two  of  the  bishops.  For  having  faithfully  per- 
formed what  they  had  conceived  to  be  their  dutj-  under  the  disci- 
pline, no  less  than  fortj'-seven  elders  were  by  these  two  bishops 
declared  through  the  church  papers,  as  having  forfeited  "  all  and 
every  right  possessed  by  ministers  and  members  of  the  Evangelical 
Association."  An  entire  annual  Conference  for  exercising  what 
h  considered  its  disciplinary  right  and  duty,  was  by  these  same 
bishops  declared  and  published  as  having  "ceased  to  exist  as  an 
Annual  Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Association."  Altogether, 
more  than  five  hundred  ministers,  itinerant  and  local,  were  de- 
clared and  published  by  them  as  having  severed  their  connection 
with,  and  forfeited  all  their  rights  and  privileges  as  ministers  and 
members  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  Ministers  were  sus- 
pended without  charges  or  trial.  The  proceedings  and  verdicts  of 
properly  constituted  tribunals  were,  without  a  shadow  of  warrant 


A 


riN  rKuDUCTION.  .9 

nder  the  law,  declared  void.  The  dividends  and  appropriations 
from  the  publishing  and  missionary  funds  were,  in  a  number  of  in- 
stances, withheld  from  the  conferences  entitled  thereto,  and  given 
to  the  small  minorities  in  those  conferences  which  supported  the 
two  bishops  in  their  unlawful  course.  Different  interpretations  of 
the  Discipline  resulted  in  the  calling  of  two  General  Conferences. 
Both  convened  on  the  first  day  of  October,  1891 ;  the  "  Majority" 
in  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  and  the  "Minority"  in  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
A  lay  convention  was  held  in  connection  with  each  General  Con- 
ference. The  convention  in  Philadelphia,  with  the  concurrence 
of  the  General  Conference  of  that  place,  proposed  to  the  conven- 
tion at  Indianapolis,  that  the  difficulties  be  adjusted  "  by  arbitra- 
tion by  disinterested  Christian  brethren  of  other  denominations." 
This  proposition  was  evaded  by  the  lay  convention  at  Indianapolis, 
and  spurned  by  the  General  Conference  of  that  place.  Later,  a 
declaration  %\%wt.A\)y  four  hundred  and  forty-one  ministers  ad- 
hering to  the  "  Minority,"  in  which  they  "recorded  their  sincere 
desire  that  our  difficulties  be  amicably  settled,"  was  published. 
This  proposal  was  unconditionally  rejected  and  the  motives  of  the 
signers  impugned.  The  efforts  of  Dr.  H.  K.  Carroll,  religious 
editor  of  The  Independent,  oi  New  York,  seconded  by  Bishop  J. 
F.  Hurst,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Dr.  George  Dana 
Boardman,  of  the  Baptist  Church,  Dr.  T.  L.  Cuyler,  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  and  Bishop  Samuel  Fallows,  of  the  Reformed 
Episcopal  Church,  to  effect  an  amicable  adjustment,  were  disdain- 
fully rejected,  and  their  author  charged  with  officiousness.  Thus 
the  "  Majority  "  made  an  amicable  adjustment  impossible. 

The  Indianapolis  General  Conference  indorsed  all  the  unlaw- 
ful actions  of  the  bishops,  and  exscinded  all  ministers  and  laymen 
who  supported  the  Philadelphia  General  Conference. 

The  "Majority"  first  resorted  to  the  civil  courts  which  re- 
sulted in  prolonged  litigation.  The  courts  of  final  resort  refusing 
to  consider  the  moral  and  equitable  phases  of  the  question,  upon 
merely  technical  grounds,  decided  against  the  "  Minority."  The 
defeated  party  was  necessitated  to  seek  readmission,  to  disband, 
or  to  reorganize.     They  chose  the  last. 

On  October  loth,  1894,  the  former  members  of  the  East  Penn- 
sylvania Conference  met  in  convention  and  organized  as  the  East 
Pennsylvania  Conference  of  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  and 
called  a  General  Conference  to  meet  m  Naperville,  111.,  Novem- 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

ber  29th,  1894.  Other  conferences  joined  in  the  call,  and  on  the 
day  designated  the  Conference  met,  and  on  the  following  day, 
November  30th,  1894,  declared  itself  to  be  the  first  General  Con- 
ference of  the  United  Evangelical  Church. 

Articles  of  Faith  and  a  Discipline  were  then  and  there  formu- 
lated. The  result  of  this  work  is  before  the  reader.  While  radical 
changes  have  been  made  in  the  construction  of  the  discipline ;  the 
doctrine,  spirit,  and  purpose  of  the  original  Church  have  been 
carefully  preserved.  We  have  thus  briefly  given  the  causes  which 
necessitated  the  creation  of  this  Discipline,  and  the  manner  in 
which  it  was  produced.  The  United  Evangelical  Church  un- 
doubtedly has  a  great  mission  in  this  and  other  lands,  and  pos- 
sesses, as  herein-after  stated,  a  most  excellent  system  of  laws. 
May  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  bless  this  work  to  the  lives 
and  hearts  of  all  her  members. 


PART  I. 
THE  CHURCH. 


^ 


I.  Articles  of  Faith 
II.  Christian  Perfectioi^ 

III.  General  Rules. 

IV.  Special  Rules. 
V.  Membership. 


3)i0Cipl(ne* 


CHAPTER  I. 

Articles  of  Faith. 

The  following  Articles  contain  our  confession  of 
Christian  Faith  : 

I.    Of  God. 

\  I.  There  is  but  one  true  and  living  God,  an 
eternal  Being,  a  Spirit  without  body,  indivisible, 
of  infinite  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness  ;  the  Cre- 
ator and  Preserver  of  all  things,  \4sible  and  invis- 
ible. In  this  Godhead  there  is  a  Trinity,  of  one 
substance  and  power,  and  co-eternal  ;  namely,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 

II.    Of  Jesus  Christ. 

\  2.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  only  be- 
gotten Son  of  God,  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 
grew  into  perfect  manhood  and  became  acquainted 
with  all  the  infirmities,  temptations,  and  sorrows 
of  men.  In  Him  dwelt  all  the  fullness  of  the  God- 
head, so  that  uniting  Deity  and  humanity  in  one 
Christ,  he  is  sole  Mediator  between  God  and  man. 
He  gave  His  life  a  ransom  for  all,  and  by  His  death 
on  the  cross  made  a  full,  perfect,  and  sufficient 

13 


14  ARTICLES  OF  FAITH. 

sacrifice,  oblation,  and  satisfaction  for  the  sins  of 
the  whole  world.  He  rose  from  the  dead  and  as- 
cended into  heaven,  wherein  He  abideth,  our  great 
High-Priest  and  King,  and  must  reign  until  all 
things  are  put  in  subjection  under  Him. 

III.   Of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

\  3.  The  Holy  Spirit,  proceeding  from  the  Fa- 
ther and  the  Son,  and  of  the  same  eternal  nature, 
power,  and  glory,  is  everywhere  present  with  men 
to  convict  of  sin,  work  newness  of  life  in  them  that 
believe,  and  lead  them  into  all  truth. 

IV.   Of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

1[  4.  By  the  Holy  Scriptures  we  understand  those 
canonical  books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments, 
which  the  Church  has  at  all  times  received  as  such. 
These  books  in  order  are  as  follows  : 

The  Old  Testament. 

Genesis,  Exodus,  Leviticus,  Numbers,  Deuter- 
onomy, Joshua,  Judges,  Ruth,  the  First  Book  of 
Samuel,  the  Second  Book  of  Samuel,  the  First 
Book  of  Kings,  the  Second  Book  of  Kings,  the 
First  Book  of  Chronicles,  the  Second  Book  of 
Chronicles,  the  Book  of  Ezra,  the  Book  of  Nehe- 
miah,  the  Book  of  Esther,  the  Book  of  Job,  the 
Psalms,  the  Proverbs  of  Solomon,  Ecclesiastes, 
Song  of  Solomon,  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Lamentations, 
Ezekiel,  Daniel,  Hosea,  Joel,  Amos,  Obadiah,  Jo- 
nah, Micah,  Nahum,  Habakkuk,  Zephaniah,  Hag- 
gai,  Zochariah    Malach\ 


ARTICLES  OF  FAITR.  15 

/  The  New   Testament. 

Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  John,  The  Acts,  Epistle 
to  the  Romans,  I.  Corinthians,  II.  Corinthians, 
Galatians,  Ephesians,  Philippians,  Colossians,  I. 
Thessalonians,  II.  Thessalonians,  I.  Timothy,  II. 
Timothy,  Titus,  Philemon,  Hebrews,  Epistle  of 
James,  I.  Peter,  II.  Peter,  I.  John,  II.  John,  III. 
John,  Jude,  Revelation. 

These  Scriptures,  given  by  Divine  inspiration, 
contain  the  will  of  God  concerning  us  in  all  things 
necessary  to  our  salvation  ;  so  that  whatever  is  not 
contained  therein,  nor  can  be  proved  thereby,  is 
not  to  be  enjoined  on  any  as  an  article  of  faith. 

V.   Of  Human  Depravity. 

*"  5.  All  men  have  sinned,  and  they  inherit  a 
depravity  of  nature  which  is  continually  propa- 
gated in  the  entire  race  of  Adam.  This  corrup- 
tion of  nature  so  far  removes  them  from  the  orig- 
inal righteousness  of  man  that  of  themselves  they 
have  no  ability  to  recover  from  their  fallen  con- 
dition, but  are  continually  inclined  to  that  which 
is  evil. 

VI.    Of  Salvation   Through  Christ. 

1  6.  The  love  of  God  has  made  salvation  possi- 
ble to  all  through  the  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ, 
whereby  every  man  is  graciously  provided  with 
freedom  of  will  to  accept  or  reject  the  offer  of 
eternal  life. 


16  ARTICLKS  uF  FAITH. 

VII.    Of  Repentance. 

\  7.  Repentance  is  sorrow  for  sin,  wrought  in 
the  heart  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The 
awakened  sinner  is  thereby  made  to  recognize  the 
holiness  of  God,  the  righteousness  of  His  law,  and 
the  guilt  and  shame  of  his  own  perverse  nature. 
Thus  deeply  humbled,  he  turns  unto  God  and  for- 
sakes his  sins. 

VIII.  Of  Justification, 

\  8.  Justification  is  that  act  of  God,  b}-  which, 
when  we  yield  ourselves  in  full  confidence  to  our 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  we  are  freely  acquitted  from 
the  guilt  of  sin,  and  accounted  righteous  in  His 
sight.  We  are  accordingly  justified,  not  by  works 
which  we  perform,  but  by  faith  in  Him  who  died 
for  us. 

IX.  Of  Regeneration. 

\  9.  Regeneration  is  that  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
wrought  in  us  whereby  we  are  made  partakers  of 
the  Divine  nature,  and  experience  newness  of  life 
in  Christ  Jesus.  By  this  new  birth  the  believer 
becomes  a  child  of  God,  receives  the  spirit  of 
adoption,  and  is  made  an  heir  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

X.    Of  the  Witness  of  the  Spirit. 

\  10.  The  witness  of  the  Spirit  is  an  inward  im- 
pression on  the  soul,  whereby  the  Spirit  of  God, 


/  ARTICLES  OF   F  KITH.  17 

the  heavenly  Comforter,  immediately  convinces 
the  regenerate  believer  that  he  has  passed  from 
death  unto  life,  that  his  sins  are  all  forgiven,  and 
that  he  is  a  child  of  God. 

XI .  Of  Sanctification . 

*  II.  Entire  sanctification,  or  Christian  perfec- 
tion, is  a  state  of  righteousness  and  true  holiness, 
which  every  regenerate  believer  may  attain.  It 
consists  in  being  cleansed  from  all  sin,  loving  God 
with  all  the  heart,  soul,  mind,  and  strength,  and 
loving  our  neighbor  as  ourselves.  This  graciouL 
state  of  perfect  love  is  attainable  in  this  life  by 
faith,  both  gradually  and  instantaneously,  and 
should  be  earnestly  sought  by  every  child  of  God. 
But  it  does  not  deliver  us  from  the  infirmities,  ig- 
norance and  mistakes  which  are  common  to  man. 

XII.  Of  Good  Works. 

^12.  The  Holy  Spirit  dwelling  in  man  begets 
within  him  love,  joy,  peace,  long  suffering,  gen- 
tleness, temperance,  and  all  other  ennobling  vir- 
tues, and  these  show  themselves  in  numerous  out- 
ward acts,  which  become  so  many  evidences  of  a 
living  faith.  Although  such  good  works  cannot 
put  away  sin,  they  are  ever  well-pleasing  and  ac- 
ceptable in  the  sight  of  God. 

XIII.   Of  Apostasy. 

^  13.  The  gracious  help  of  God  is  pledged  to  all 
those  who  continue  steadfast  in  faith  ;  but,  on  ac- 
count of  man's  fre^  will    which  no  power  may 


18  ARTICLES  OF   FAITH. 

coerce,  apostasy  from  God  is  possible  so  long  as 
we  continue  in  the  flesh.  Wherefore,  constant 
watchfulness,  prayer,  and  holy  living  are  necessary 
on  the  part  of  man,  lest  he  fall  away  from  the 
grace  of  God,  grieve  and  quench  the  Holy  Spirit, 
and  lose  his  soul  at  last. 

XIV.    Of  Immortality. 

\  14.  The  soul  of  man  is  immortal,  and,  on  its 
separation  from  the  body  at  death,  continues  in  a 
conscious  state  of  existence  in  the  world  of  spirits. 
It  there  either  enters  into  bliss  or  undergoes  tor- 
ment, according  to  its  character  as  formed  and 
fixed  in  the  present  life. 

XV.   Of  the  Resurrection. 

![ '15.  Christ  did  truly  rise  from  the  dead,  and 
took  again  hisown  body,  andascended  into  heaven. 
Likewise  all  the  Jead  shall  be  raised  up  by  the 
power  of  God  through  Christ,  both  the  just  and 
the  unjust ;  but  those  who  have  done  good  shal; 
come  forth  unto  an  eternal  life  of  glory,  and  thosf 
who  have  wrought  wickedness  shall  be  adjudged 
to  everlasting  punishment. 

XVI.    Of  the  Final  Judgment. 

^16.  God  has  appointed  a  day  in  which  he  will 
judge  all  men  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  is  com- 
mitted the  judgment  of  this  world.  We  must  all, 
accoidingly,  appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of 
Christ,  and  have  our  eternal  destiny  determined 
according  to  our  works. 


ARTICLES  OP"  FAITH. 


XVII.    Of  Ht'iU 


'■  17.  Our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  lias 
provided  for  those  who  are  redeemed  by  his  grace 
a  heavenly  and  eternal  rest,  into  which  He  purposes 
ultimately  to  gather  them  and  dwell  with  them  in 
unspeakable  glory.  Thereshall  be  no  more  sorrow, 
pain,  or  death,  and  the  glorified  saints  shall  see 
God  and  walk  in  his  light  forever. 

XVIII.    Of  Hell. 

*  i8.  The  incorrigible  sinner,  having  rejected 
Christ  and  all  the  offers  and  opportunities  of  grace, 
is  without  God  and  without  hope  in  the  world,  and 
makes  himself  a  child  of  Satan.  When  he  dies, 
his  soul  awakes  to  the  torment  of  hell,  from  which 
there  is  no  promise  or  hope  of  deliverance,  but  the 
sentence  of  everlasting  punishment  prepared  for 
the  devil  and  his  angels. 

XIX.  Of  the  Church. 

\  19.  The  Holy  General  Church  consists  of 
the  great  body  of  believers  who  confess  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  and  have  life  in  Him.  The  individual 
church  is  a  congregation  or  society  of  Chris- 
tian believers,  in  which  the  pure  worship  of  God 
is  maintained,  His  holy  Word  is  preached,  and 
His  commandments  and  ordinances  are  sacredly 
observed. 

XX.  Of  the  Ministry. 

^  20.  The  ministry,  of  the  Gospel  is  a  sacred 
office  and  calling,  ordaiued  by  Christ  for  the  proc- 


20  ARTICLES  OF  FAITH. 

lamation  of  His  truth  in  all  the  world,  and  for  the 
orderly  administration  of  the  sacraments,  the  wor- 
ship, and  the  discipline  of  the  church.  No  man 
may  assume  this  office  without  the  conviction  of 
a  Divine  call  thereto,  and  the  recognition  and  rati- 
fication of  that  call  by  the  church. 

XXI.    Of  Baptism. 

\  21.  The  sacrament  of  baptism  is  the  formal 
application  of  water  to  an  infant,  or  to  an  adult 
believer,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  a  visible  sign  and 
seal  that  the  person  so  consecrated  stands  in  a  holy 
covenant  relation  to  God  and  His  people. 

XXII.   Of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

*^  22.  The  Lord's  Supper  is  not  merely  a  token 
of  love  and  union  that  Christians  ought  to  have 
among  themselves,  but  is  a  sacrament  instituted 
in  memory  of  the  sufferings  and  death  of  Christ ; 
whereby  those  who  rightly,  and  worthily,  receive 
the  same,  partake  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ 
by  faith,  not  in  a  bodily,  but  in  a  spiritual  manner, 
in  eating  the  broken  bread,  and  in  drinking  the 
blessed  cup.  We  thereby  also  continually  show 
forth  our  Christian  faith  and  hope. 

XXIII.    Of  Church  Polity. 

•  23.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ordained  no  partic- 
ular form  of  government  for  hi?  church,  so  that 
whatever  polity,  rules,  regulations,  rites,  and 
ceremonies  are  adopted  and  approved  by  common 


ARTICLES  OF    FAITH.  21 

authority,  and  are  not  repugnant  to  the  Word  of 
God,  may  be  acknowledged  as  sufl&cient  to  con- 
stitute a  true  church  of  the  living  God  Such 
polity,  rules,  rites,  and  ceremonies  may  be  law- 
fully changed  from  time  to  time,  as  the  needs  of 
men  and  the  diversity  of  nations,  countries,  and 
manners  may  require. 

XXIV.    Of  Civil  Government. 

%  24.  Civil  government  is  an  ordinance  of  God, 
grounded  in  the  necessities  of  human  nature,  and 
essential  to  the  maintenance  of  public  order,  the 
security'  of  personal  rights,  and  the  punishment 
of  evil-doers.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  men  to  be  sub- 
ject to  the  supreme  authority  of  the  country  in 
which  they  reside,  and  to  respect  and  honor  the 
civil  magistrates. 

XXV.    Of  the  Evangelization  of  the  World. 

•^  25.  The  Gospel  is  designed  for  all  nations,  its 
field  of  operation  is  the  w'hole  world,  and  the 
church  and  people  of  God  are  under  solemn  obli- 
gation to  make  known  its  saving  truth  and  power 
among  the  heathen.  To  this  great  work  we  are 
impelled  and  encouraged  by  the  command  of  the 
Lord  and  the  promises  and  prophecies  of  the  Holy 
Sciiptures. 


^ 


22  CHRISTIAN  PERFECTION. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Christian  Perfectien. 

*"  26.  We  believe  that  the  doctrine  of  Christian 
Perfection  is  clearly  taught  in  the  Word  of  God. 
For  this  reason  it  is  accepted  as  one  of  the  cher- 
ished doctrines  of  the  United  Evangelical  Church. 
God  said  to  Abram,  as  recorded  in  Genesis  17:  i  : 
"  I  am  the  Almighty  God  ;  walk  before  me,  and  be 
thou  perfect."  Our  Lord  and  Saviour  expressly 
said  to  his  disciples,  as  recorded  in  Matt.  5:48: 
"Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father 
which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect."  Furthermore,  to 
effect  this  great  end  was  plainly  one  of  the  lead- 
ing piarposes  of  God  in  instituting  the  church  and 
calling  laborers  into  his  vineyard.  Hear  Paul  to 
the  Ephesians,  chapter  4,  and  verses  11,12  and  13  : 
"And  he  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some,  proph- 
ets ;  and  some,  evangelists  ;  and  some,  pastors  and 
teachers  ;  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body 
ot  Christ ;  till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the 
faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God, 
unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stat- 
ure of  the  fullness  of  Christ  "  Paul  further  taught 
with  much  emphasis,  that  the  best  way  to  attain 
to  this  high  standard,  was  to  preach  the  sinless 
Christ  as  our  pattern  of  perfection.  See  Colos- 
sians  1:28:  "Whom  we  preach,  warning  every 
man,  and  teaching  every  man  in  all  wisdom  ;  that 
we  may  present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus. " 


CHRlN  rlAX   PERFECTION.  23 

1[  27.  As  to  the  character  of  this  work  of  grace, 
when  attainable,  and  its  eflect  upon  its  possessor, 
that  most  excellent  summary  given  by  John  Wes- 
ley in  the  year  1784,  fully  meets  our  views.  This 
statement  was  made  after  the  thought  and  expe- 
rience of  Mr.  Wesley  had  attained  their  full  ripe- 
ness, for  he  was  then  within  a  few  years  of  the 
close  of  his  life.  He  had  given  much  thought  to 
this  doctrine,  and  finally,  after  a  careful  review  of 
the  whole  subject,  wrote  the  sum  of  what  he  had 
observed  in  a  number  of  brief  propositions,  to 
which  we  as  a  body  of  Christians  most  heartily 
subscribe.     These  propositions  are  as  follows  : 

"  I .  There  is  such  a  thing  as  perfection  ;  for  it  is 
again  and  again  mentioned  in  the  Scriptures. 

"2  It  is  not  so  early  as  justification  ;  forjustified 
persons  are  to  go  on  unto  perfection      (Heb.  6:1.) 

"3.  It  is  not  so  late  as  death;  for  Saint  Paul 
speaks  of  living  men  that  were  perfect.      (Phil.  3  : 

15.) 

"4.  It  is  not  absolute .  Absolute  perfection  be- 
longs not  to  man,  nor  to  angels,  but  to  God  alone. 

"5.  It  does  not  make  a  man  infallible  ;  no  one 
is  infallible  while  he  remains  in  the  body. 

"6.  Is  it  sinless?  It  is  not  worth  while  to  con- 
tend for  a  term.      '  It  is  salv^ation  from  sin. ' 

"7.  It  is  'perfect  love.'  (I.  John  4:18.)  This 
is  the  essence  of  it.  Its  properties,  or  inseparable 
fruits,  are,  rejoicing  evermore,  praying  without 
ceasing,  and  in  every  thing  giving  thanks.  (I. 
Thess.  5:  16,  etc.) 


24  CHRlr>TIAN'  PERFECTION. 

"8.  It  is  improvable.  It  is  so  far  from  being 
incapable  of  increase,  that  one  perfected  in  love 
may  grow  in  grace  far  swifter  than  he  did  before. 

"9.  It  is  losable,  capable  of  being  lost ;  of  which 
we  have  numerous  instances. 

"  10.  It  is  constantly  both  preceded  and  fol- 
lowed bv  a  gradual  work. 

•'II.  But  is  it  in  itself  instantaneous  or  not?  In 
examining  this,  let  us  go  on  step  by  step.  An  in- 
stantaneous change  has  been  wrought  in  some  be- 
lievers ;  no  one  can  deny  this.  Since  that  change, 
they  enjoy  perfect  love  ;  they  feel  this  and  this 
alone  ;  they  rejoice  evermore,  pray  without  ceas- 
ing, and  in  every  thing  give  thanks. '  But  in  some 
this  change  was  not  instantaneous.  They  did  not 
perceive  the  instant  when  it  was  wrought.  It  is 
often  difficult  to  perceive  the  instant  when  a  man 
dies ;  yet  there  is  an  instant  when  life  ceases. 
And  if  even  sin  ceases,  there  must  be  a  last  mo- 
ment of  its  existence,  and  a  first  moment  of  our 
deliverance  from  it. 

•'28.  "  '  But  if  they  have  this  love  now  they  will 
loseit.'  They  may;  but  they  need  not.  And  whether 
they  do  or  not,  they  have  it  now  ;  they  now  expe- 
rience what  we  teach.  They  now  are  all  love  ; 
thev  now  rejoice,  pray  and  praise  without  ceasing. 

"  '  However,  sin  is  only  suspended  in  them  ;  it  is 
not  destroyed.'  Call  it  which  you  please;  they 
are  all  love  to-day  ;  and  they  take  no  thought  for 

the  morrow. 

"  '  But  this  doctrine  has  been  much  abused. '  So 
has  that  of  justification  by  faith.     But  tliat  is  no 


CHRISTIAN   PEKP^ECTION.  2:> 

reason  for  giving  up  either  this  or  any  other  Scrip 
tural  doctrine. 

' '  '  But  those  who  think  the}-  are  saved  from  sit 
say  they  have  no  need  of  the  merits  of  Christ. 
They  say  just  the  contrary.  Their  language  is : 
'  Every  moment,  Lord,  I  need  the  merit  of  thy 
death.'  They  never  before  had  so  deep,  so  un- 
speakable a  conviction  of  tie  need  of  Christ  in  all 
his  offices  as  they  have  now. 

1  "29.  Therefore  all  our  preachers  should  make 
a  point  of  preaching  perfection  to  believers  con- 
stantly, strongly  and  explicitly  ;  and  all  believers 
should  mind  this  one  thing,  and  continually  ago- 
nize for  it. ' ' 

^  30.  This  is  the  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ,  the 
doctrine  of  St.  Paul,  of  St.  Peter,  of  St.  James, 
and  of  St,  John.  It  is  found  in  the  oracles  of 
God,  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments.  Look  at 
it  ;  survey  it  on  every  side,  and  that  with  the 
closest  attention.  In  one  view  it  is  purity  of  in- 
tention, dedicating  all  the  life  to  God.  It  is  the 
giving  to  God  of  all  our  heart ;  it  is  one  desire  and 
design  ruling  all  our  tempers.  It  is  the  devoting 
of,  not  a  part,  but  of  all  our  soul,  body  and  sub- 
stance to  God.  In  another  view,  it  is  all  the  mind 
which  was  in  Christ,  enabling  us  to  walk  as  Christ 
walked.  It  is  the  cleansing  of  the  heart  from  all 
filthiness,  all  inward  as  well  as  outward  pollution. 
It  is  a  renewal  of  the  heart  in  the  whole  image  of 
God  ;  the  full  likeness  of  him  that  created  it. 
In  yet  another  view  it  is  the  loving  of  God  with 


26  CHRISTIAN  PERFECTION. 

all  the  heart,  andourneighbor  as  ourselves.  NoW; 
take  it  in  whichever  of  these  \Hews  you  please, 
for  there  is  no  material  difference,  r  nd  this  is  the 
whole  and  sole  perfectir  n. 

^  31.  Now  let  this  perfection  appear  in  iis  native 
form,  and  who  can  speak  one  word  against  it? 
Will  any  dare  to  speak  against  loving  the  Lord  our 
God  with  all  our  heart,  and  our  neighbor  as  our- 
selves? It  must  be  disguised  before  it  can  be  op- 
posed. Does  not  all  that  is  within  you  crj-  out, 
*'  O,  who  that  loves  can  love  enough  ?  ' '  We  allow, 
we  contend,  that  we  are  justified  freely  through 
the  righteousness  and  the  blood  of  Christ.  We 
expect  likewise  to  be  sanctified  wholly  through  his 
Spirit.  We  do  expect  to  love  God  with  all  our 
heart,  and  our  neighbor  as  ourselves.  Yea,  we  do 
believe  that  he  will  in  this  world  so  "  cleanse  the 
thoughts  of  our  hearts,  by  the  inspiration  of  his 
Holy  Spi'it,  that  we  shall  perfectly  love  him,  and 
worthily  magnify  his  holy  name." 

•^  32.  Let  it  therefore  be  considered  not  only  a 
privilege,  but  the  duty  of  all  true  believers  tostrive 
earnestly  to  attain  to  Christian  perfection,  and  in 
so  far  as  they  have  ability  and  opportunity,  to  en- 
courage all  others  to  ' '  press  toward  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus." 


GENERAL   RULES.  27 

CHAPTER  III. 
General  Rules. 

^  33.  To  be  identified  with  the  visible  Church 
should  be  regarded  as  a  blessed  privilege  and  a  most 
sacred  duty  by  every  trul}-  enlightened  heart,  and 
by  all  who  seek  redemption  from  sin  and  com- 
pleteness in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

*]  34.  Of  all  who  desire  admission  into  the 
United  Evangelical  Church,  it  is  required  as  a  pre- 
vious condition  that  they  sincerely  seek  to  be 
saved  from  sin  ?nd  to  live  in  conformity  with  the 
will  of  God,  a.'^  revealed  in  his  Holy  Word.  When- 
ever such  a  desire  is  truly  fixed  in  the  heart,  it  will 
be  evidenced  by  word  and  deed  : 

*[  35-  Firsts  By  avoiding  that  which  is  clearly 
prohibited  in  the  Word  of  God,  as  follows. • 

1.  The  taking  of  the  name  of  God  in  vain. 

2.  The  profaning  of  the  Day  of  the  Lord,  either 
by  following  the  ordinary  pursuits  of  labor  and 
business,  or  by  godless  and  sinful  holiday  diver- 
sions. 

3.  The  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage, 
or  the  trafficking  in  the  same  in  any  manner. 

4.  Quarreling,  brawling,  fighting,  returning  evil 
for  evil,  railing  for  railing,  tale-bearing,  gossiping, 
slandering,  and  all  communications  which  are 
derogatory  to  the  good  name  of  persons,  and  the 
peace  of  society. 

5.  Dishonesty,  fraudulent  dealing,  takingr  ad- 
vantage in  buying  ^nd  selling,  bearing  false  wit- 
ness, lying,  stealing  and  the  like  fruits  of  darkness. 


28  GENERAL    RULES. 

6.  Slave-holding,  and  the  buying  and  selling  of 
men  and  women  created  in  the  image  of  God. 

7.  The  indulgence  of  sinful  and  revengeful  tem- 
pers, either  by  passionate,  reckless,  hurtful  utter- 
ances, or  by  cruel  and  merciless  deeds  inflicted 
upon  man  or  beast. 

8.  The  indulgence  of  pride,  vanity,  and  waste- 
fulness in  dress  and  living. 

9.  The  singing  of  frivolous  songs,  the  reading  cf 
pernicious  literature,  the  patronizing  of  questiot/- 
able  amusements  and  resorts,  the  playing  of  such 
games,  and  indulgence  in  such  diversions  as  do  not 
tend  to  the  knowledge  or  love  of  God,  and  cannc»t 
be  practiced  in  the  name  of  Christ. 

10.  And  finally,  all  temptations  to  social  loose- 
ness, impropriety  of  conduct,  and  the  worship  of 
mammon  (wealth),  so  prevalent  in  our  time, 
whereby  the  soul  is  robbed  of  God  and  its  hope  of 
heaven. 

•y  36.  Second,  By  reducing  to  practice  that  ivhich 
is  clearly  taught  and  enjoined  on  believers  in  the 
Word  oj  God,  cs  follows  : 

I.  By  loving  God  with  all  the  heart,  mind,  and 
strength,  the  proof  of  which  will  be  witnessed  by 
a  faithful  attendance  upon  all  the  ordinances  of 
God  and  the  means  of  grace,  among  which  are 
the  public  worship  of  God  ;  the  ministry  of  the 
sacred  Word  ;  the  Sacraments  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
and  Baptism  ;  searching  and  meditating  upon  the 
Scriptures  ;  family  and  private  devotions  :  fasting 
or  abstinence. 


GENERAL   RULES.  29 

2.  By  patterning  after  Christ  iu  a  life  of  purity 
and  well-doing,  ever  active  in  that  which  is  ap- 
proved of  God  and  beneficial  to  humanity,  espe- 
cially in  cultivating  a  spirit  of  sympathy,  helpful- 
ness, and  mercy  toward  the  neglected  and  suffer- 
ing, by  feeding  the  hungry,  clothing  the  destitute, 
giving  shelter  to  the  homeless,  and  visiting  the 
sick  and  imprisoned,  according  to  the  opportunity 
and  ability  which  God  giveth. 

3.  By  seeking  to  do  good  to  the  souls  of  the  un- 
saved, pressing  upon  their  attention  the  claims  of 
the  Gospel,  inviting  them  to  the  services  of  God's 
house,  and  acquainting  them  with  His  people. 

4.  By  helping  those  who  are  of  the  household  of 
faith  ;  lo\'ing,  forbearing,  and  forgiving  them  as 
brethren. 

5.  By  being  charitable  and  courteous  toward  all. 

6.  By  seeking  to  promote  peace  and  good  will 
among  all  men. 

7.  By  practicing  chastity,  modesty,  sobriety,  and 
honesty,  as  in  the  sight  of  God. 

8.  By  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  and  nothing 
but  the  truth. 

9.  By  contributing  to  the  support  of  the  church, 
and  of  Mission  work,  in  home  and  foreign  lands, 
according  to  ability. 

10.  By  adorning  the  Christian  profession  with  a 
life  of  faith,  virtue,  knowledge,  temperance,  pa- 
tience, godliness,  brotherly-kindness,  and  love; 
whether  in  honor  or  dishonor,  in  good  report  or 
evil  report,  in  prosperity  or  adversity,  that  the 
Gospel  be  not  bla>?ie<i. 


30  SI'ECIAL  RULES. 

II.  All  members  of  our  church  are  required  to 
observe  these  General  Rules,  taught  in  the  Word  of 
God,  which  is  our  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Special  Rules. 

I.    Temperance. 

'  37.  Temperance,  in  its  wider  meaning,  is  dis- 
tinctly a  Christian  virtue,  enjoined  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures.  It  implies  a  control  of  all  the  emo- 
tions, passions,  and  appetites.  As  to  food  and 
drink,  it  means  the  wise  use  of  suitable  and  bene- 
ficial articles,  and  the  entire  abstinence  from  such 
as  are  known  to  be  harmful.  Both  science  and 
human  experience  agree  with  the  Holy  Scriptures 
in  condemning  alcoholic  beverages  as  useless,  un- 
safe, and  hurtful. 

^  38.  The  business  of  manufacturing  and  vend- 
ing such  liquors  is  also  against  the  principles  of 
morality,  political  economy,  and  the  public  wel- 
fare. We  therefore  regard  voluntary  total  ab- 
stinence from  all  intoxicants  as  the  true  ground  of 
personal  temperance,  and  complete  legal  prohibi- 
tion of  the  traffic  in  alcoholic  drinks  as  the  duty 
of  civil  government.  None  of  our  members  shall 
be  permitted  to  manufacture,  sell,  or  use  as  a  bev- 
erage, any  intoxicating  drinks  ;  nor  to  rent  or  lease 
property  to  be  used  for  such  manufacture  or  sale  ; 
nor  to  sign  a  petition  for  granting  license,  or  enter 


SPECIAL  RULES.  31 

as  bondsmen  for  persons  engaged  in  the  traffic  of 
intoxicating  drinks  ;  nor  anywise  to  have  an  in- 
terest in.  or  countenance  and  encourage  such  man- 
ufacture or  traffic. 

*  39-  ^^^  advise  that  in  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  only  unfermented  wine  be  used. 

II.    Slavery. 

^  40.  None  of  our  members  shall  be  permitted 
under  any  pretense  or  condition  whatever  to  own 
slaves  or  to  traffic  in  human  blood,  nor  to  give 
countenance  or  encouragement  to  such  abomina- 
tion in  any  way  or  for  any  consideration. 

III.    Christiaji  Giving. 

*  41.  Since  it  is  ordained  that  they  who  preach 
the  Gospel  shall  live  of  the  Gospel  (I.  Cor.  9  :  14  ; 
I.  Tim.  5  :  18  ',  and  our  blessed  Lord  in  his  mission 
of  love  and  merc}-  among  men  taught  that  it  is 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive,  Christian  lib- 
erality in  support  of  the  institutions  of  the  Church, 
the  spread  of  the  Gospel,  the  furtherance  of  benev- 
olent enterprises  and  the  relief  of  the  worthy  poor, 
must  be  regarded  as  a  privilege  and  a  sacred  duty. 
It  should,  therefore,  be  the  concern  of  all  our  mem- 
bers to  give  of  their  substance,  not  grudgingly, 
but  cheerfully,  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion  and  the 
alleviation  of  the  distressed. 

*"  42.  The  practice  of  proportionate,  systematic, 
biblical  methods  in  Christian  benevolence  is  earn- 
estly recommended  to  all  our  people,     "  Upon  the 


32  SPECIAL  RULES. 

first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by 
him  in  store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him."  (I. 
Cor.  16:2.) 

IV.    Marriage. 

I1  43.  Marriage  is  an  institution  of  Divine  ap- 
pointment, upon  the  proper  observance  of  which 
are  conditioned  human  happiness  and  well-being, 
and  the  maintenance  of  that  most  important  factor 
of  civilization — The  Christian  Home.  There  can 
be  no  virtue  or  morality  in  society  ;  no  vStability  or 
permanence  of  free  government,  except  as  in  this 
best  sense  the  Christian  home  is  maintained  in  its 
integrity.  Our  blessed  Lord  and  his  apostles  in- 
sisted on  purity  of  thought  as  well  as  of  deed  in 
this  important  matter.  (Matt.  5  :  28  ;  19  -.5,  6  ;  I. 
Tim.  3  : 3,  4,  12.)  This  is  the  doctrine  which  the 
Christian  Church  has  ever  advocated  and  prac- 
ticed wherever  she  has  existed  in  her  beauty  and 
strength.  Those  who  refuse  to  live  by  this  rule, 
forfeit  their  privileges  of  membership  in  the  Church 
of  Christ. 

%  44.  In  view  of  the  gravity  of  the  interests  in- 
volved in  this  subject,  we  especially  admonish  all 
our  young  people  : 

1.  To  endeavor  to  cherish  only  worthy  and  en- 
nobling thoughts  on  the  subject  of  matrimony. 

2.  To  avoid  undue  haste,  and  rather  practice  in- 
telligent deliberaticm  respecting  any  step  proposed 
or  taken  in  this  matter. 

3.  Not  to  enter  into  matrimonial  relations  ex- 
cept upon  a  favorable  personal  ^cquaiptance,  suf- 


SPECIAL,  RULt.a.  33 

ficient  to  insure  to  themselves  the  blessings  of  a 
peaceable  home  and  life. 

4.  To  take  this  step  only  when  it  can  be  done 
"in  the  Lord,"  as  directed  by  Paul,  in  I.  Cor. 7 139. 
and  thus  avoid  being  "  unequally  yoked  together 
with  unbelievers  "  in  life's  most  intimate  relation. 
(II.  Cor.  6  :  14.)  Observation  and  experience  have 
demonstrated  this  to  be  the  only  safe  rule. 

V.    Divorce. 

\  45.  The  Church  of  Christ  can  consistently  re- 
gard as  valid  only  such  divorces  as  are  granted  on 
the  ground  of  adultery  ;  and  ministers  of  the  Gos- 
pel of  our  Lord,  should  not  solemnize  marriages 
in  cases  where  there  is  a  divorced  husband  or  wife 
living.  This  rule  does  not  apply  to  the  innocent 
party  to  a  divorce  caused  by  the  adultery  of  hus- 
band or  wife  ;  nor  does  it  apply  to  divorced  parties 
seeking  to  be  reunited  in  marriage. 

VI.    Thoughts  on  Singing. 

\  46.  I.  To  insure  spirituality  and  guard  against 
formality  in  singing,  it  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to 
praise  God  in  the  congregation  by  the  use  of  psalms 
and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace 
in  their  hearts  to  the  Lord. 

2.  Singing  has  for  ages  constituted,  and  is  to-day 
an  important  part  of  public  worship.  It  is  adapted 
to  the  edification  of  the  heart  and  mind  when 
entered  into  in  the  spirit  of  true  devotion.  We, 
therefore,  hold  that  all  should  heartilv  engage  in 


34  SPECIAL  RULES 

this  part   of   the  church   service.      The   Psalmist 
says  :  "  Let  all  the  earth  sing  unto  the  Lord. " 

3.  The  entire  congregation  should  be  supplied 
with  books  so  that  all  may  participate  in  the  songs 
of  the  sanctuary. 

4.  It  is  recommended  that  a  knowledge  of  at 
least  the  elements  of  music  be  acquired  by  all,  bu"- 
the  spirit  of  religious  song  should  never  be  sacri- 
ficed to  artistic  performances. 

VII.     Thoughts  on  Prayer. 

^  47.  The  Christian'slife  is  maintained  by  prayer. 

1.  Our  blessed  Lord  taught  his  disciples  that 
"  men  ought  always  to  pray  and  not  to  faint."  He 
also  gave  to  them  a  brief  and  comprehensive 
model,  embodying  all  the  elements  of  true  prayer. 
In  like  manner,  St.  Paul  admonishes  Christians 
"to  pray  without  ceasing."  (I.  Thess.  5:  17,  18; 
I.Tim.  2:1.) 

2.  Prayer  is  not  to  be  esteemed  simpl}-  as  a 
Christian  duty,  but,  since  we  are  encouraged  by 
assurances  of  Divine  benefactions,  it  is  to  be  re- 
garded as  the  blessed  privilege  of  every  sincere 
and  trustful  heart.     (Matt.  7:7-11.) 

3.  We  are  instructed  to  pray  for  special  spiritual 
blessings  (James  i:  5,  6),  for  temporal  blessings  and 
prosperity,  and  also  for  all  men,      (I.  Tim.  2:  2,  3.) 

4.  To  be  effectual,  prayer  must  be  offered  in 
faith  (Mark  11:24;  Heb.  11:6,)  and  contrition 
(Psalm  51:17;  Matt.  5:3,)  and  we  are  taught  that 
the  praying,  trustful  heart  is  aided  by  the  Holy 
Spirit.     (Rom.  8:26.) 


SPECIAL  RULES.  35 

5.  The  spirit  of  true  prayer  yields  all  interests, 
m  utter  dependence  and  hopeful  surrender,  to  the 
Divine  wisdom  and  keeping,  that,  with  Christ, 
we  may  say  :  ' '  Thy  will  be  done. ' '     (Matt.  26  :  39. ) 

6.  Prayer  is  thus  Heaven-ordained  as  a  devo- 
tional heart  and  mind-service  before  God,  in  ado- 
ration, confession,  supplication,  intercession  and 
thanksgiving.  A  healthy  Christian  experience 
is  not  separable  from  it,  and  a  Christian  Church 
will  be  prosperous  in  that  degree  in  which  she  is 
truly  a  praying  Church. 

7.  Let  every  member  of  our  church,  therefore, 
respond  faithfully  to  the  call  to  prayer.  See  to  it 
that  a  vacant  chair  in  the  prayer-meeting  circle 
does  not  witness  against  you,  neither  let  your  pri- 
vate devotions,  nor  your  daily  family  prayers,  be 
neglected.     (Isa.  52  :  12.) 

VIII.     Bible  Study. 

%  48.  Nothing  is  more  important  for  the  be- 
liever's own  mental,  moral,  and  spiritual  develop- 
ment, or  for  his  increase  in  usefulness,  than  Bible 
study. 

The  Word  of  God  is  "  the  sword  of  the  Spirit," 
the  weapon  of  our  warfare  against  evil;  and  it  is 
the  instrument  to  use  in  dealing  with  the  unsaved, 
for  men  are  "begotten  again,  not  of  corruptible 
seed,  but  of  incorruptible,  through  the  word  of 
God."  (I.  Peter  i  :  23,  R.  V.)  "  Search  the  Scrip- 
tures," said  Jesus;  and  "  Let  the  word  of  Christ 
dwell  in  you  richly  "  is  Paul's  direction. 


36  SPECIAL  RULES. 

Let  all  our  people,  therefore,  heed  and  profit  by 
the  following  directions  : 

1 .  Study  the  Bible  daily.  The  Bereans  were  wise 
as  well  as  "noble"  in  that  they  "searched  the 
Scriptures  daily."     (Acts  17:11.) 

2.  Study  it  prayerfully .  ' '  Open  thou  mine  eyes, 
that  I  may  behold  wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. " 
(Ps.  119:18.) 

3.  Memorize  Scripture.  Do  this  because  you 
need  it : 

a.  For  yourself,  "  Thy  Word  have  I  laid  up  in 
my  heart,  That  I  might  not  sin  against  thee."  (Ps 
119:11,  R.  V.) 

b.  For  equipment  in  the  Christian  service,  * '  That 
the  man  of  God  may  be  complete,  furnished  com- 
pletely unto  every  good  work."  (II.  Tim.  3:17. 
R.  V.) 

4.  Have  some  method  of  study  : 
Study  the  Bible  as  a  whole. 
Study  the  individual  books. 

Study  it  topically,  biographically,  etc.,  etc. 

Always  remember  that  ' '  All  Scripture  is  given 
by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine, 
for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righte- 
ousness."    (II.  Tim.  3  :  16. ) 


MEMBERSHIP.  37 

CHAPTER  V. 
Membership. 

I.   Reception  of  Members. 

\  49.  When  at  any  meeting  there  are  persons 
who  desire  to  unite  with  the  church,  the  ofl&ciating 
minister,  having  previously  examined  them  and 
found  them  worthy  of  membership,  shall  call  the 
applicants  forward  and  f^ddress  them  as  follows  : 

Dear  Friends  :  We  greet  you  as  you  come  seek- 
ing admission  into  the  church  which  our  Saviour 
purchased  with  his  owf  blood,  and  rejoice  with 
you  that  through  the  gra^e  of  God  you  have  been 
brought  to  a  knowledge  ^f  the  truth,  and  have 
been  made,  or  desire  to  become,  partakers  of  his 
great  salvation.  The  privil^^tres  you  seek  are  above 
price,  and  the  duties  enjo'ned  are  solemn.  It  is 
proper  that  you  publicly  confess  your  faith  and 
avow  your  purpose  by  ansv^^ring  the  following 
questions  : 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  BibH  to  be  the  Word  of 
God  and  that  therein  only  is  contained  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  Gospel  way  of  salvation  ? 

2.  Are  you  fully  determined ,  by  the  grace  of 
God,  to  renounce  the  devil,  the  world,  and  all  un- 
godliness, to  seek  redemption  in  Christ,  to  follow 
Him,  and  seek  to  live  according  to.  the  W^ord  of 
God,  and  to  continue  steadfast  in  hoUoess  and  de- 
votion to  God  and  His  cause  until  derth  ? 

3.  Will  you  live  according  to  our  cburch  dis- 
cipline, and  will  you  contribute  to  thempport  of 
the  Gospel  as  God  prospers  you  ? 


38  MEMBERSHIP. 

4.  Have  you  been  baptized?'  If  not,  are  you 
willing  to  be  baptized? 

^  50.  If  the  persons  answer  the  above  ques- 
tions satisfactorily,  and  no  lawful  objections 
be  made  by  any  member,  then  the  preacher 
shall  give  his  right  hand  to  such  persons  as 
members  of  our  church,  and  record  their 
names  in  the  church  book;  provided,  however, 
that  where  a  local  church  deems  it  advisable 
for  its  protection  against  imposition,  a  com- 
mittee may  be  appointed,  who,  together  with 
the  pastor,  may  make  inquiry  as  to  the  ad- 
visability of  admitting  such  applicants  to 
membership  in  the  church  according  to  the 
foregoing  requirements.  The  same  privilege 
is  also  accorded  a  local  church  in  the  granting 
of  certificates  of  dismissal. 

II.  Transfer    of    Membership    by    Certificate. 

jl  51.  Any  member  in  good  standing  desiring 
to  change  his  membership  from  one  charge 
to  another  shall  upon  request,  be  given  a  cer- 
tificate of  membership  and  dismissal  by  the 
pastor,  or  if  there  be  no  pastor,  by  the  pre- 
siding elder,  in  the  following  form: 

Certificate  of  Membership  and  Dismissal. 

This  is  to  certify.  That is  a  mem- 
ber in  full  communion  of  the. United 

Evangelical    Church    of..: Conference. 

and'  that   at own   request. is   here- 
by dismissed  and  aftectionately  commended  to 

the  Christian  care  and  fellowship  of  the 

United  Evangelical  Church  of 


MEMBERSHll'.  J*) 

Conference.  Pastor. 

Given  at this 

day  of A.  D. 

This  certiticate  is  valid  for  one  year  from 
date  thereof,  except  under  special  conditions. 
See  Book  of  Discipline.  Chapter  V.,  Section 
1 1.  Paragraph  53. 

^  52.  The  pastor  issuing  the  certificate  shall, 
if  possible,  notify  the  preacher-in-charge  of 
the  place  to  which  the  meml)er  removes.  The 
pastor  receiving  such  a  member  shall  inform 
the  preacher-in-charge  from  which  the  cer- 
tificate was  issued,  in  the  following  or  similar 
form: 

Certificate   of  Reception. 

This  is  to  certify.  That commend- 
ed  to   our   care   and    fellowship    by   the    pastor 

of  the United   Evangelical  Church  of 

Conference,  was   on  the day 

of A.    D duly   received    into   the 

membership  of  the United   Evan- 
gelical   Church   of Conference. 

Pastor. 

Given    at this day   of 

A.  D. 

^  53.  The  certificate  of  membership  and  dis- 
missal shall  be  valid  for  one  year  from  date 
thereof,  except  that  where  for  any  good  rea- 
son it  has  been  impracticable  to  present  it  to 
another  charge  within  that  time,  it  may  be  re- 
newed by  the  pastor  of  the  church  from  which 
it  was  issued. 

H  54.  A  certificate  of  membership  and  dis- 
missal cannot  be  denied  to  a  member  in  good 


40  MEMBERSHIP. 

Standing.  Wlien,  in  the  judgment  of  the  pas- 
tor and  committee,  there  are  sufficient  reasons 
for  withholding  the  certificate  from  a  member, 
judicial  proceedings  must  be  instituted  in  the 
case  as  prescribed  by  our  Discipline. 

^  55.  If  a  church  member,  who  has  been  ab- 
sent for  more  than  two  years  from  the  place 
of  his  ordinary  residence  and  church  connec- 
tion, shall  apply  for  a  certificate  of  member- 
ship and  dismissal,  the  fact  of  his  absence  and 
the  knowledge  of  the  church  respecting  his 
demeanor  for  that  time  or  its  want  of  in- 
formation concerning  it.  shall  be  distinctly 
stated  in  the  certificate. 

III.  Classes  and  Class  Officers. 

^  56.  The  members  of  the  local  churches 
shall  be  divided  into  societies,  called  classes. 

1.  The  object  of  such  organizations  shall  be: 

a.  More  easily  to  ascertain  the  spiritual  con- 
dition of  the  individual  members. 

b.  The  training  and  development  of  the 
members  in  spiritualit}^  and  public  religious 
exercises,    and    in    general    Christian    activity. 

2.  The  classes  shall  hold  meetings  for  pray- 
er, praise,  and  testimony  at  least  once  a  week. 

3.  The  officers  of  the  class  shall  consist  of 
a  leader  and  an  assistant  leader,  who  shall  be 
elected  ever}-  two  years,  by  a  majority  of 
the  members  present  at  a  meeting  duly  an- 
nounced for  said  purpose,  and  at  which  meet- 
ing the  preacher  in  charge  shall  preside. 


MEMBERSHIP.  ^I 

1i  57-  The  duties  of  the  officers  of  the  class  shall 
be: 

a.  To  be  diligent  students  of  the  Word  of  God, 
so  as  to  be  able  to  properly  instruct  their  classes. 

b.  To  be  circumspect  in  their  own  deportment 
so  as  to  set  a  proper  example  to  the  classes  en- 
trusted to  them. 

c.  To  take  charge  of  the  meetings  of  the  classes, 
and  to  conduct  them  in  such  a  manner  as  to  con- 
tribute most  effectually  to  the  spiritual  edification 
and  upbuilding  of  the  members. 

d.  Not  to  seek  to  domineer  over  their  brethren 
or  sisters,  but  to  watch  over  them  in  love,  and  to 
see  that  they  progress  in  the  Divine  life,  not  only 
according  to  the  form,  but  that  they  grow  in  the 
true  knowledge  and  love  of  God  ;  and  in  love  to 
advise,  admonish,  reprove,  teach,  and  comfort  them 
as  circumstances  may  require. 

e.  To  warn,  with  discretion  and  charitable  con- 
sideration, those  who  are  unfaithful  ;  and  inform 
the  preacher  of  such  as  lead  disorderly  lives,  and 
will  not  accept  their  friendly  admonitions,  and  of 
such  as  deliberately  and  habitually  neglect  their 
duties.  They  shall  also  visit  the  sick  and  the  poor, 
and  give  the  preacher  information  concerning 
them.  And  they  shall  be  especially  concerned 
about  the  needs  of  the  preacher's  family  and  those 
of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  such  deceased  preach- 
ers who  devoted  their  lives  to  the  preaching  of  the 
Gospel. 

f.  In  case  of  necessity,  to  assist  the  stewards  in 
collecting  the  preacher's  salary,   rent,   or  other 


*■  MEMBERSHIP. 

moneys,  as  may  be  directed  by  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference. 

g:  To  familiarize  themselves  with  the  doctrines 
and  rules  of  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  and 
to  read  and  explain  them  to  their  classes,  and  to 
call  attention  to  the  passages  of  Scripture  on  which 
they  are  based. 

IV.      Stewards  and  their  Duties. 

^  58.  A  steward  shall  be  a  person  of  accredited 
piety,  who  is  familiar  with  our  rules  of  discipline, 
and  possesses  the  necessary  ability  to  transact  tem- 
poral business. 

1.  The  Quarterly  Conference,  at  the  last  session 
before  the  Annual  Conference,  shall  elect  five 
stewards,  if  so  many  be  deemed  necessary,  one  of 
whom  shall  be  the  recording  steward ;  but  on  charges 
having  more  than  five  classes,  one  additional 
steward  may  be  elected  for  each  additional  class. 

2.  The  preacher  in  charge  shall  have  the  right 
io  nominate  persons  for  the  office  of  steward. 

*"  59.  The  duties  of  the  stewards  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows : — 

1.  As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  session  of  the 
Annual  Conference,  they  shall  meet  and  inquire 
of  their  preachers,  what  their  disciplinary  claims 
are  for  the  current  year,  and  report  to  the  first 
Quarterly  Conference,  and  they  shall  see  to  it  that 
each  class  contributes  its  proportionate  amount  for 
meeting  such  claims. 

2.  They  shall,  unless  otherwise  provided  for  in 
accordance  with  ^.  7^,  part  5,  receive  voluntary  con- 


MEMBERSHIP.  *^ 

tributions  from  the  members  of  their  classes  or  dis- 
tricts, and  from  other  persons  who  are  disposed  to 
contribute  to  the  supportof  the  preachers,  and  shall 
pay  such  moneys  to  the  preachers  regularly.  The 
contributions  shall  be  secured  as  early  in  the  con- 
ference year  as  possible,  by  subscriptions,  which 
are  to  be  entered  in  the  stewards'  book,  and  the 
payments  of  these  subscriptions  shall  be  properly 
credited  to  the  respective  names.  But  in  case  any 
person  should  not  be  disposed  to  subscribe  the 
sum  he  is  willing  to  give,  such  person  shall  pay 
the  same  to  the  stewards  or  the  preacher.  If  paid 
to  the  preacher,  he  shall  at  his  earliest  convenience 
report  to  the  stewards  the  amount  received. 

3.  They  shall  provide  the  bread  and  wine  for  the 
Lord's  Supper. 

4.  They  shall  procure,  or  assist  in  procuring, 
dwellings  for  the  married  preachers. 

''  60.  The  stewards  shall  be  accountable  to  the 
Quarterly  Conference  for  the  performance  of  their 
official  duties. 

•^  61.  The  Quarterly  Conference  shall  be  em- 
powered to  fill  vacancies  in  the  board  of  stewards. 

^  •      Sunday-Schools  and  Their  Officers. 

!i  62.  If  practicable,  there  shall  be  a  Sunday- 
school  in  every  local  church  for  the  moral  and 
religious  instruction  of  all  who  can  be  gathered 
into  the  same.  If  possible  the  school  shall  hold 
a  session  at  a  suitable  hour  on  each  Sabbath  of 
the  vear. 


44  MEMBERSHIP. 

^  63.  The  management  of  the  Sundaiy-school 
shall  be  entrusted  to  a  Sunday-school  board, 
to  consist  of  the  pastor,  the  officers,  and  the 
teachers  of  the  school. 

U  64.  The  officers  of  the  school  shall  be  a 
superintendent,  assistant  superintendent,  sec- 
retary, treasurer,  and  librarian;  all  of  whom, 
if  practicable,  shall  be  members  of  our  church: 
but  in  all  cases  the  superintendent  shall  be  a 
member.  These  officers  shall  be  elected  an- 
nually by  a  majority  of  the  members  of  the 
church,  present  at  a  meeting,  duly  announced 
for  that  purpose.  But  if  circumstances  make 
this  provision  impracticable,  the  Sunday- 
school  board  shall  determine  who  shall  par- 
ticipate in  the  election.  Other  officers  may 
be  elected  as  the  Sunday-school  board  may 
determine. 

H  65.  In  the  formation  of  Sunday-schools  in 
communities  where  there  is  no  organization  of 
our  church,  the  preacher  in  charge  may  ap- 
point the  officers  and  teachers  according  to 
his  judgment. 

H  66.  The  duties  of  the  superintendent  shall 
be  as   follows: 

1.  To  have  immediate  charge  of  the  exer- 
cises and  interests  of  the  school. 

2.  To  provide  classes  with  teachers  of  Chris- 
tian principles  and  character. 

3.  To  attend  the  Quarterly  Conference,  to 
give  a  report  of  the  condition  of  the  school, 
and   to   present  to  the  last   Quarterly   Confer- 


MEMBERSHIP,  45 

ence    of    the    Annual    Conference    year,    a    sta- 
tistical report  of  the  school. 

4.  To  frequently  consult  with  the  pastor  in 
reference  to  the  interests  of  the  school. 

5.  To  admonish  in  love,  officers  and  teachers 
who  may  neglect  their  duties  and,  in  case 
there  is  no  improvement,  to  report  them  to 
the  pastor. 

1J  67.  The  duties  of  other  officers  and 
teachers  shall  be  such  as  usually  belong  to 
their  respective  positions. 

^  68.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  preacher  to 
preside  at  the  election  of  officers,  to  have  a 
general  oversight  of  the  Sunday-school,  to  see 
that  the  school  is  amply  supplied  with  suitable 
literature  and  books,  and  to  organize  and  to 
maintain  a  weekly  meeting  for  the  study  of 
the  lesson  of  the  following  Sabbath,  so  as  to 
prepare  the  teachers  especially,  for  more  effi- 
cient work  in  their  classes.  If  the  pastor  can- 
not be  present,  the  superintendent,  and  if  he 
cannot,  some  one  else  appointed  by  the  pas- 
tor shall  take  his  place. 

11  69.  Vacancies  in  any  of  the  offices  provided 
for  in  paragraphs  56  and  64,  shall  be  filled  by 
special  elections,  to  be  called  and  conducted 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  regular  elections. 

VI.   Vouug    People's   Societies. 

If  70.  There  shall  be  a  Young  People's  So- 
ciety in  our  church  to  be  known  as  the   Key- 


46  MEMBERSHIP. 

Stone    League    uf     Christian     Endeavor,    with 
auxiliary  organizations  in  local  churches. 

The  object  of  this  organization  shall  be  to 
promote  among  its  members: 

1.  An   earnest  Christian  life. 

2.  Efficiency  and  faithfulness  in  church 
work. 

3.  Systematic  and  thorough   Bible  study. 

4.  Active  eft'orts  in  works  of  philanthropy. 

5.  Christian  sociability. 

^.  71.  The  general  affairs  of  this  organization 
shall  be  under  the  direction  of  a  Managing 
Board  consisting  of  five  ministers  and  four 
la}-  members,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  for  a  term  of  four  years.  The 
Managing  Board  shall  have  power  to  fill  va- 
cancies in  itself  during  the  interim  of  General 
Conference;  such  vacancies  to  be  filled  from 
the  conferences  or  districts  in  which  they 
occur. 

^  '/2.  Any  Young  People's  Society  organized 
in  any  of  our  churches,  may  become  affiliated 
with  this  organization,  provided  that  it  adopt 
the  aims  and  methods  of  the  Keystone  League 
of  Christian  Endeavor,  and  that  whenever 
practicable  its  officers  shall  be  members  of  our 
church,  and,  that  in  all  cases,  the  President 
shall  be  a  member  of  the  United  Evangelical 
Church. 


PART  II. 
THE  CONFERENCES. 


I.  The  Conferences. 
II.  Quarterly  Conference. 

III.  Annual  Conference. 

IV.  General  Conference. 


CHAPTER  I. 
The  Conferences. 

Ti  73-  There  shall  be  Quarterly  Conferences, 
Annual  Conferences,  and  a  General  Conference  ; 
the  first  to  be  held  quarterly  on  each  charge,  the 
second  annually  on  each  conference  district,  the 
third  every  four  years  for  the  whole  church. 

1i  74-  I.  All  deliberations  and  transactions  shall 
be  conducted  as  immediately  under  the  inspection 
and  in  the  presence  of  God.  He  who  has  occasion 
to  speak,  let  him  speak  the  sentiments  of  his  heart 
freely,  the  chief  concern  of  all  being  to  set  God  be- 
fore our  eyes. 

2.  The  intervals  between  the  daily  sessions  shall 
be  spent,  as  much  as  possible,  by  every  one  indi- 
vidually in  religious  devotion,  particularly  in  pray- 
ing for  one  another  and  imploring  God's  blessing 
on  all  our  transactions. 

3.  Every  session  shall  be  opened  by  reading  a 
portion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  the  General 
Rules  and  Directions  for  Preachers,  one  or  more 
paragraphs  at  a  session,  until  all  are  read,  to  be 
followed  by  singing  and  prayer.  Each  session 
shall  be  closed  with  public  prayer. 

4.  There  shall  be  preaching  every  day  during 
the  session,  unless  otherwise  ordered. 

49 


QUARTERLY  CONFERENCE. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Quarterly  Conference. 

'  !1  75-  The  Quarterly  Conference  shall  con- 
sist of  all  itinerant  and  local  preachers,  class 
leaders  and  assistants,  stewards.  Sunday- 
school  superintendents,  presidents  of  Keystone 
Leagues  of  Christian  Endeavor  and  a  repre- 
sentative from  each  .Auxiliary  Missionary  So- 
ciety, and  a  representative  from  each  board  of 
trustees.  Mission  Bands,  Junior  and  Young 
People's  Missionary  Societies  are  not  to  be 
considered  auxiliary  societies  in  the  sense 
above  provided  for. 

^  "/d.  The  presiding  elder  of  the  district 
shall  appoint  the  time  and  the  preacher  in 
charge,  the  place  of  the  conference. 

^  "J"/.  The  presiding  elder  shall  be  the  .presi- 
dent of  the  conference.  If  there  be  no  pre- 
siding elder  present,  the  preacher  in  charge 
shall  preside.  The  preacher  in  charge  shall 
be  the  secretary  when  present  and  not  in  the 
chair.  When  he  cannot  act.  the  conference 
shall  elect  a  secretar}-.  The  secretary  shall 
keep  a  correct  record  of  all  conference  trans- 
actions, to  be  submitted  to  the  Annual  Con- 
ference, at  its  next  session,  for  inspection  and 
approval. 

\  78.  The  regular  business  of  the  Quarter- 
ly Conference  shall  be  as  follows: 

T.  The   members  of  conference    shall  be   ex- 


QUARTERLY   CONFERENCE.  51 

amined  to  ascertain  whether  they  hcTVc  been 
faithful,  godly,  and  unblamable  in  their  moral 
and  official  conduct.  Inquiry  shall  be  made 
whether  the  persons  entrusted  to  their  care 
are  faithful  and  godly,  especially  those  who 
may  come  to  celebrate  the  Lord's  Supper,  so 
I  hat   they  may   commune   without  offence. 

2.  Charges  duly  preferred  and  appeals  to 
conference  shall  be  investigated  and  disposed 
of  according  to  the  directions  of  the  Disci- 
pline. In  all  cases,  however,  where  the  defend- 
ant demands  or  where  circumstances  require 
that  charges  preferred  against  a  person,  should 
be  investigated  by  a  committee,  composed  of 
persons  not  members  of  Quarterly  Conference, 
such  persons  shall  be  prohibited  from  com- 
munion until  the  charges  are  investigated  and 
the  case  decided. 

3.  The  Sunday-school  superintendents  shall 
submit  reports  on  the  condition  and  needs  of 
the  Sunday-schools  and  the  active  interest  of 
the  members  therein,  and  at  the  last  Quarter- 
ly Conference,  statistical  reports  of  the  schools 
shall  be  read  and  recorded. 

4.  Candidates  for  the  ministry  shall  be  ex- 
amined according  to  the  directions  of  our  Dis- 
cipline, and  after  such  examination  they  may, 
by  a  majority  of  votes,  be  recommended  to  an 
Annual  or  the  General  Conference  for  license. 

5.  It  shall  introduce  such  methods  of  appor- 
tioning to  the  members  of  the  various  classes 


52  QUARTERLY  CONFERENCE. 

and  collecting  from  them  the  claims  of  the 
preachers  and  presiding  elders  and  the  current 
expenses  of  the  congregations,  as  it  may  deem 
best. 

f  79.      Order  of  Procedure. 

T.  Devotions. 

2.  Roll  Call 

3.  Reading  the  minutes  for  information. 

4.  Examination  of  members. 

5.  Examination  of  classes. 

6.  Unfinished    business. 

7.  Appeals  to  the  conference. 

8.  Class  Leader's  report. 

9.  Sunday-school  reports. 

10.  K.  L.  of  C.  E.  reports. 

11.  Missionary-    reports. 

12.  Stewards'  reports. 

13.  Trustees'  reports. 

14.  Statistical  report. 

15.  Recommendation    of    candidates     for     the 

ministry. 

16.  Claims  of  presiding  elder  and  preacher. 

17.  Election    of   stewards. 

18.  Absentees. 

19.  Provision     of    bread    and     wine    for     the 

Lord's  Supper. 

20.  Xew      openings      for      Sunday-school      or 

preaching. 

21.  Election  of  delegates. 

22.  Miscellaneous  business. 

23.  Approval  of  minutes. 


ANNUAL   CONFERENCE.  53 

CHAPTER  III. 
Annual  Conference. 

^  80.  The  Annual  Conference  shall  consist 
of  all  Elders  and  of  such  Deacons  who  now 
helong,  or  have  belonged,  to  the  itinerancy,  to- 
gether with  one  lay  delegate  from  each  charge 
in  the  conference,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the 
Quarterly  Conference  at  the  third  or  the  last 
session  in  the  year.  The  sending  of  a  lay  del- 
egate is  optional  with  the  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence, which  shall  in  all  cases  provide  for  the 
expenses  of  the  delegate.  The  lay  delegates 
shall  have  all  the  privileges  and  rights  of  min- 
isters in  the  conference,  except  that  of  voting 
at  the  election  of  the  members  of  the  Trial 
Court,  and  the  Court  of  Appeals,  and  on  the 
licensing,  reception,  ordination,  locating,  suspen- 
sion and  expulsion  of  ministers. 

\\  81.  The  conference,  by  a  majority  of  votes, 
shall  provide  for  the  time  and  place  of  its  ses- 
sions. If  it  should  become  necessary  to 
change  the  time  or  place  fixed  by  the  Con- 
ference, the  Presiding  Elders,  b}^  and  with  the 
advice  and  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  min- 
isters, shall  designate  the  time  and  place  and 
make  due  announcement  thereof  in  our  church 
papers  at  least  ten  days  prior  to  the  time  for 
such   meetings. 

ll  82.  At  the  Annual  Conference  a  Bishop 
shall    preside.      If   a    Bishop    is   under    charges 


?4  ANNt'AL  CONFEREN'CE. 

for  unchristian  conduct  or  ofificial  misconduct, 
or  under  sentence  of  suspension,  he  shall  be 
considered  disqualified  to  preside.  Whenever 
a  conference  is  apprised  of  this  fact,  or  when 
no  Bishop  is  present,  the  conference  shall 
elect  a  president  from  among  the  Elders.  All 
questions  of  order  shall  be  decided  by  the 
chair.  Any  decision  shall  be  subject  to  an  ap- 
peal   to   the    conference. 

^  83.  A  secretary  shall  be  elected,  who  may. 
if  necessar3^  choose  assistants,  to  accurately 
record  all  transactions  of  the  conference, 
which  record  shall  be  submitted  to  the  next 
General   Conference  for   examination. 

ti  84.  If  it  should  become  necessary  to  call 
a  special  session  of  the  annual  conference,  the 
presiding  elders,  by  and  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  a  majority  of  the  members,  clerical 
and  lay,  of  the  last  preceding  annual  confer- 
ence, who  shall  also  be  the  members  of  the 
special  session,  shall  name  the  time  and  place, 
and  make  due  announcement  thereof  in  our 
church  papers  at  least  fourteen  (14)  days  prior 
to  the  time  of  meeting.  Vacancies  among  the 
lay  delegates  may  be  filled  by  either  a  regular 
or  special  session  of  the  quarterly  conference. 
The  purpose  of  the  special  session  shall  be 
clearly  set  forth  in  the  call,  and  no  busines*^ 
shall  be  transacted  at  said  session  except  that 
which  is  set  forth  in  the  call. 

^  85.  The    president    and     presiding     elders 


ANNUAL  CONFERENCE.  55 

acting  as  a  committee,  shall  assign  the  preach- 
ers to  their  respective  rields  of  labor  for  a 
term  of  one  year.  The  presiding  elders  shall 
he  appointed  annually  to  their  districts  by  the 
conference.  No  preacher  shall  be  appointed 
til  the  same  charge,  nor  any  presiding  elder 
to  the  same  district,  for  more  than  four  suc- 
cessive years.  Any  vacancy  in  the  presiding 
eldership  of  a  district  in  the  interval  between 
the  Annual  Conference  sessions,  shall  be  filled 
as  the  preachers  of  the  district  in  conjunction 
with  the  president  of  the  conference  may  de- 
termine. 

^  86.  An  itinerant  preacher,  who  is  consid- 
ered disqualified  for  the  itinerancy  by  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present  at  his  Annual 
Conference,  shall  be  located.  A  local  preacher 
disqualified  for  his  office  by  such  vote,  shall 
have  his  license  revoked. 

li  87.  The  Annual  Conference  is  possessed 
-)f  all  powers,  legislative,  judicial  and  admin- 
istrative, which  it  has  not  surrendered  to  the 
General  Conference  by  legislative  enactment. 
On  the  legality  of  its  own  organization,  the 
judgment  of  a  majority  of  its  duly  qualified 
members,  is  final. 

^  88.  Order   of    Procedure. 

T.     The  moral  and  official  conduct  of  preach- 
ers and  lay  delegates  shall  be  examined. 
J.     The    standing    committees    shall     be     ap- 


56  ANNUAL  CONFERENCE. 

pointed  by  the  president    unless    other- 
wise provided  for. 

3.  The  transactions  of  Quarterly  Conference 

shall  be  judicially  reviewed. 

4.  Have  any  preachers  been  deposed  or   ex- 

pelled from  the  church? 

5.  Have     any     preachers     located     or     with- 

drawn? 

6.  Who   are    the    supernumerary    and    super- 

annuated   preachers,    and    widows,    and 
orphans? 

7.  Have  any  preachers  died? 

8.  Ordination  of  Deacons  and   Elders. 

9.  Statistical  reports. 

10.  What  is  the  amount  of  the  contributions 

for   the   support   of  preachers,   and  how 
has  the  money  been  appropriated? 

11.  Applicants  for  the  ministry. 

12.  Who    are    willing    to    travel    according    to 

the  direction  of  the  Conference  and  our 
Discipline? 

13.  What    is    to    be    done    in    the    Missionary 

cause? 

14.  \Vho  are  the  presiding  elders  and  how  are 

they  stationed? 

15.  W^ho  are  the  Elders  and  who  are  the  Dea- 

cons? 

16.  Who     are     the     Local     Preachers?       ist. 

Elders:    2d.   Deacons;   3d.   Preachers   on 
trial. 

17.  Educational    institutions. 


23 


GENERAL  CONFERENCE.  57 

Time  and  place  of  next  session. 

Election  of  delegates  to  General  Confer- 
ence. 

Report  of  Stationing  Committee. 

Have  pastors  properly  informed  their  suc- 
cessors? 

Miscellaneous  business. 

Has  the  secretary  been  authorized  to 
affix  the  signatures  of  the  members? 


CHAPTER  IV. 
General  Conference. 

^  89.  The  General  Conference  shall  consist 
of  one  ministerial  and  one  lay  delegate  for 
every  fourteen,  and  for  any  surplus  of  not  less 
than  seven,  ministerial  members  of  each  An- 
nual Conference;  provided  that  any  Annual 
Conference  with  a  membership  of  not  less 
than  seven  ministers  shall  be  entitled  to  one 
ministerial  and  one  lay  delegate.  The  pub- 
lisher or  publishers,  and  editors  of  our  church 
papers  shall  be  ineligible  as  delegates  to  Gen- 
eral Conference,  but  shall  be  advisory  mem- 
bers of  that  body,  and  their  expenses  to  said 
Conference  shall  be  paid  by  the  Publishing 
House. 

^  90.  The  Annual  Conference  shall  resolve 
itself  into  two  bodi.es  composed  respectively 
of  the  ministerial   and  lay   members,   and   the 


58  GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 

ministerial  body  shall  elect  from  its  Elder?; 
the  ministerial  delegates,  and  the  lay  body 
shall  elect  the  lay  delegates.  Each  body 
shall  elect  as  many  alternates  as  it  deems 
proper,  provided  that  the  number  of  alter- 
nates does  not  exceed  the  number  of  dele- 
gates. Each  delegate  is  to  be  furnished  with 
credentials   certifying  his   election. 

^  91.  The  Conference,  by  a  majority  of 
votes,  shall  provide  for  the  time  and  place  of 
its  sessions. 

Special  General  Conference. 

H  92.  If  at  an\'  time  the  holding  of  a  special 
General  Conference  should  become  necessary, 
it  shall  be  called  in  the  following  manner:The 
Bishops,  by  and  with  the  written  consent  of 
the  majority  of  the  presiding  elders  of  the 
whole  church,  shall  designate  the  time  and 
place  for  the  proposed  conference  session. 
The  delegates  shall  be  elected  according  to 
paragraph  90,  page  ^7-  in  our  Discipline,  at 
either  the  regular  or  special  session  of  the  an- 
nual conferences. 

^  93.  At  the  General  Conference,  a  Bishop 
shall  preside,  unless  disqualified.  If  no  quali- 
fied Bishop  is  present,  then  the  President  shall 
be  elected  in  like  manner  as  at  Annual  Con- 
ferences. Bishops  when  not  in  the  chair,  shall 
be  advisory  members  of  conference. 

^  94.  A  Secretary  shall  be  elected  by  the 
conference,  whose   duty   it   shall   be  to  keep  a 


GENERAL  CONFERENCE.  59 

correct  record  of  all  the  conference  proceed- 
ings. 

^  95.  Two-thirds  of  the  aggregate  number 
of  delegates  shall  constitute  a   quorum. 

^i  96.  The  General  Conference  shall  have 
only  such  powers  as  are  conferred  upon  it 
by  the  Discipline.     It   shall   have   power: 

1.  To  amend  or  revise  the  rules  of  Temporal 
Economy  by  a  majority  vote  of  all  its  mem- 
bers. 

2.  To  amend  or  revise  any  other  part  of  the 
Discipline  by  a  three-fourths  vote,  provided 
such  revision  be  first  recommended  or  subse- 
quently ratified  by  two-thirds  of  the  members 
of  all  the  Annual  Conferences:  provided,  how- 
ever, 

a.  That  the  Articles  of  Faith  shall  never  be 
changed. 

b.  That  the  Annual  Conferences  shall  never 
be  deprived  of  the  right  to  determine  the  le- 
gality of  their  own  organization. 

c.  That  the  itinerant  sj-stem  shall  never  be 
abolished. 

3.  As  a  court  of  law.  it  shall  have  power  to 
judicially  decide  all  questions  arising  between 
Annual  Conferences,  or  between  any  incor- 
porated general  society  of  the  church  and  its 
officers,  and  all  questions  for  which  an  appeal 
to  this  conference  is  provided  in  the  Discipline. 
It  shall  have  power  to  review  and  decide 
the  legality  of  acts  of  Annual  Conferences,  the 
acts  of  organization  excepted,  and  in  case  any 


60  GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 

Other  act  of  an  Annual  Conference  shall  bf 
declared  illegal  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  Gen- 
eral Conference,  such  finding,  together  with 
reasons  for  it,  shall  be  referred  to  the  An- 
nual Conference  in  question,  with  instruction> 
to  correct  the  illegal  action. 

4.  To  arrange  the  boundaries  of  Annual 
Conference  districts,  provided  that  no  territory 
shall  be  taken  from  or  added  to  an  Annual 
Conference  district  against  the  protest  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  delegates  from  the  conference 
concerned.  It  shall  have  power  to  create  new 
conferences  whenever  desirable,  provided  that 
no  conference  having  less  than  fourteen  mem- 
bers shall  be  represented  on  our  general 
boards. 

5.  It  shall  have  no  original  jurisdiction  to 
try  any  person.  The  examination  of  dele- 
gates shall  be  held  only  with  a  view  to  de- 
termine their  right  to  sit  in  the  conference. 

^  97.  Order  of  Procedure. 

1.  Enrollment  of  delegates. 

2.  Examination   of    Bishops  and   delegates. 

3.  Address   by   the   presiding   Bishop. 

4.  Appointment   of   standing   committees. 

5.  Summary  of  statistics. 

6.  Examination  of  Annual  Conference  trans- 

actions. 

7.  Recommendations    from    .\nnual    Confer- 

ences. 

8.  Temporal  economy. 


GENERAL  CONFERENCE.  61 

9.  Arrangement   of    Annual    Conference    dis- 
tricts. 

10.  Publishing   interests. 

11.  Election  of  General   Conference  officers. 

12.  K.  L.  of  C.  E. 

13.  Missionary   cause. 

14.  Higher  education. 

15.  Time  and  place  of  next  session. 

16.  Miscellaneous  business. 

17.  Has    the    Secretary    been     authorized     to 

affix    the    signatures    of    the    conference 
members? 


^ 


PART  III. 
THE  MINISTRY. 


■^ 


I.    MiNISTERIAIv  QUAWFICATIONS  AND  WORK. 

II.  Reception  and  Station  of  Ministers. 
III.  Duties  OF  Preachers. 


SS-9^ 


CHAPTER  I. 
Ministerial  i^aaliflcations  and  Work. 

Ti  98.         General  Directions. 

Rule  I.  Be  diligent.  Never  be  unemployed; 
nor  triflingly  employed.  Follow  the  rules  of  strict 
economy  in  the  use  of  time,  even  in  the  discharge 
of  important  duties.  Let  necessity,  and  not  en- 
joyment, determine.     Redeem  the  time. 

RUI.E  2.  Be  serious.  Be  earnest  Avoid  light- 
ness, jesting,  and  foolish  talking.  Your  motto 
must  be  :     "  Holiness  to  the  Lord," 

Rule  3.  Converse  discreetly  and  conduct  your- 
self prudently  with  the  other  sex. 

Rule  4.  Believe  evil  of  no  one  without  sub- 
stantial evidence.  Put  the  best  construction  on 
everything.  The  judge  is  always  supposed  to  be 
on  the  side  of  the  accused. 

Rule  5.  Speak  evil  of  no  one,  because  your  word, 
especially,  would  eat  as  doth  a  canker.  Keep 
your  thoughts  within  your  own  breast,  till  you 
meet  the  person  concerned. 

Rule  6  Tell  every  one  under  your  care  what 
you  think  wrong  in  his  temper  and  conduct,  and 
that  candidly,  lovingly,  plainly  ;  and  do  this  with- 
out delay,  lest  it  fester  in  your  heart.  Make  haste 
to  cast  this  fire  out  of  your  bosom. 


66  MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK. 

Rule  7.  Be  yourself,  avoiding  all  affectation. 
As  was  the  Master,  so  must  the  preacher  of  the 
Gospel  be — the  servant  of  all. 

Rule  8.  Be  ashamed  of  all  sin,  and  of  every- 
thing that  tends  to  its  commission. 

Rule  9.  Be  punctual.  Work  by  rule.  Do  not 
amend  the  rules,  but  keep  them,  not  for  fear,  but 
for  conscience'  sake. 

Rule  10.  You  are  a  shepherd.  Your  commis- 
sion from  the  Chief  Shepherd  is  soul-saving.  This 
will  require  the  consecration  of  all  your  time  and 
talent — to  spend  and  be  spent  in  this  work.  You 
are  to  look  after  and  visit  not  only  those  who 
welcome  you,  but  any  who  are  without  hope,  or 
who  need  the  counsel  and  instruction  of  Christ's 
ambassador.  It  is  not  the  end  of  your  calling  to 
preach  only,  or  to  take  care  of  this  or  that  society; 
but  to  lead  as  many  sinners  to  repentance  and 
saU^ation  as  possible,  and  to  build  them  up  in 
that  holiness,  without  which  they  cannot  see  the 
Lord. 

Rule  ii.  As  a  preacher  of  the  United  Evan- 
gelical Church,  you  are  expected  to  act  in  all 
things,  not  according  to  your  own  will  or  pleasure, 
but  as  a  faithful  son  of  the  Gospel.  As  such  it  is 
your  duty  to  employ  your  time  in  the  manner  in 
which  our  rules  direct ;  in  preaching,  in  visiting 
from  house  to  house,  in  reading,  meditation,  and 
prayer.  Above  all,  if  you  labor  with  us  in  the 
Lord's  vineyard,  it  is  needful  that  you  do  that 
part  of  the  work  which  is  assigned   you,  and  at 


MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK.  67 

those  times  and  places  which  it  is  adjudged  most 
to  His  glory  and  the  furtherance  of  His  kingdom. 

*'.  99*      Spiritual  Qualifications . 

As  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel  you  must  know  : 

1.  That  you  have  peace  with  God  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

2.  That  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  your 
heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  that  you  are  a  child 
of  God. 

3.  That  although  sin  once  abounded  in  your 
lieart,  grace  doth  now  much  more  abound,  giving 
you  victory  over  sin,  and  keeping  your  heart  and 
mind  in  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ. 

4.  That  souls  are  perishing  for  whom  Christ 
died,  and  that  God  has  called  you  to  go  and  pro- 
claim the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  them,  "The 
harvest  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are 
few." 

5.  That  God  has  given  promise,  that  His  Word 
shall  not  return  unto  Him  void,  but  it  shall  pros- 
per in  the  thing  whereto  He  sent  it,  and  that  the 
abiding  presence  of  the  risen  and  glorified  Lord 
is  assured,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Be 
hopeful ;  be  true  to  your  Master.  Preach  the 
Word  ;  be  instant  in  season,  out  of  season.  Make 
full  proof  of  your  ministry. 

6.  That  your  essential  qualification  for  blessed 
results  in  your  calling,  will  be  assured  by  the  fol- 
lowing three  important  things  :  first,  by  being  a 
temple  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  set  apart,  consecrated, 
to  your  holy  calling,  by  His  indwelling,  light,  com- 


f,8  MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK. 

fort,  power,  and  glory  ;  second^  by  bearing  the 
salvation  of  the  people  entrusted  to  your  care  ten- 
derly within  your  heart  ;  third,  by  understanding, 
pondering,  loving,  and  observing  the  rules  and 
Discipline  of  the  Church. 

If  loo.      Evidences  of  a  Call  to  Preach. 

We  believe  it  is  the  Divine  prerogative  to  call 
persons  to  the  Christian  ministry.  As  our  blessed 
Lord  "called  unto  Him  whom  He  would "  and 
chose  and  ordained  His  twelve  apostles  "  that  they 
might  be  with  Him,  and  that  He  might  send  them 
forth  to  preach , "  so  God  does  still  choose  and  com- 
mission the  messengers  of  the  blessed  Gospel. 
Nevertheless  it  has  pleased  the  Holy  Spirit  to  ac- 
cord unto  the  Church  the  privileges  of  joyful  rec- 
ognition and  co-operation  and  helpful  indorsement. 

Whenever  the  Church  is  convinced  that  a  person 
is  moved  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  preach  the  Gospel, 
she  is  placed  under  sacred  obligation  to  render  all 
possible  assistance  by  proper  recommendation, 
and  other  lines  of  preparation  for  the  work.  The 
society  or  class  of  which  those  professing  a  call  to 
preach  are  members,  is,  according  to  our  polity, 
entrusted  with  an  important  responsibility  in  this 
matter.  And  what  evidence  shall  the  Church  re- 
quire as  sufficientl}-  conclusive,  to  make  co-op- 
eration on  her  part  a  conscientious  duty  ?  In  not  a 
few  instances,  from  the  nature  of  the  case,  the 
evidence  on  some  points  will  not  be  of  the  high- 
est order,  and  proper  allowance  must  be  made  ac- 
cordingly. 


MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK,  ^g 

Let  the  pastor  of  such  society  duly  interest  him- 
self in  such  cases  by  frequent  counsel  and  direc- 
tion ;  as  also  by  securing  to  such  persons  opportu- 
nities to  open  and  conduct  religious  meetings,  as- 
sist publicly  in  revival  work,  and  thus  exercise 
their  gifts  in  the  church.  And  let  such  persons 
at  the  same  time  be  requested  to  thoroughly  ac- 
quaint themselves  with  our  book  of  Discipline, 
and  to  read  and  ponder  this  section  in  particular, 
and  let  them  give  expression  to  their  convictions 
regarding  the  points  of  inquiry  here  following. 
No.  4,  excepted,  of  which  others  are  to  judge,  to 
the  pastor  or  the  presiding  elder,  or  to  both. 

/.    Personal  Experience. 

Have  they  peace  with  God  ?  Is  the  love  of  God 
abiding  in  them  through  the  indwelling  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  ?  Do  they  abide  in  the  love  of  Christ? 
Is  their  walk  and  conversation  pure  ?  Do  they 
manifest  soul-concern  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel 
and  the  conversion  of  sinners  about  them  ? 

2.    Thirst  for  Knowledge. 

Are  they  studious  ?  Are  they  devoted  to  Bible 
study,  and  works  on  Bible  exposition  ?  Do  they 
apply  themselves  to  the  acquisition  of  knowledge 
in  general,  pertaining  to  a  proper  qualification  for 
the  Christian  ministry  ?  Do  they  understand  that 
all  their  acquisitions  of  knowledge  must  be  sub- 
ordinated to  the  thought  and  work  of  soul-saving, 
and  the  edification  of  the  bodv  of  Christ  ? 


ro  MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK. 

J.  Effectiveness. 
Have  any  been  converted  through  their  instru- 
mentality ?  Have  believers  been  edified  through 
their  exhortations  and  preaching  ?  Has  their 
personal  influence  been  helpful  to  the  cause  of 
Christ  ? 

4.   Gifts  and  Qualijications. 

Perfection  is  not  expected  in  the  beginning ; 
but  do  these  persons  present  hopeful  indications 
of  latent  talent  ready  to  respond  to  the  inspiration 
of  application,  and  the  call  of  duty  in  the  sacred 
office  ?  Have  they  in  an  acceptable  sense  a  good 
understanding,  and  a  sound  judgment?  Have 
they  the  gifts  of  discernment,  and  of  adaptation  ? 
Are  their  views  concerning  the  plan  of  redemp- 
tion and  salvation  Scriptural  ?  Have  they  the  gift 
of  utterance  ?  Do  they  impress  as  well  as  interest 
an  audience? 

In  all  cases  in  which  there  is  a  fair  degree  of 
clearness  and  strength  of  affirmative  evidence  in 
these  things,  we  believe  it  should  be  accepted  as 
a  sufiBcient  indication  of  a  Divine  call  to  the 
ministry,  to  require  co-operative  recognition  on 
the  part  of  the  Church.  Let  such  be  assisted  and 
advanced  as  directed  in  our  Discipline,  by  recom- 
mendation and  license,  and  by  such  other  encour- 
agement as  may  be  rendered,  or  the  case  maj^  re- 
quire. But  let  them  not  be  unduly  eager  to  be  at 
once  appointed  to  a  charge,  but  be  concerned 
rather  to  be  found  in  that  thoroughness  of  prepara- 
tion which  is  Divinely  approved, — workmen  that 


MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK.;! 

need  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth.      (II.  Tim.  2:  15.) 

Tj  loi.     Hints  and  Directions. 

1.  Acquaint  yourself  thoroughly  with  our  Arti- 
cles of  Faifh.  Read  and  study  them.  It  is  your 
duty  to  defend  them.  Ponder  and  pray  over  them. 
They  are  a  brief  summary  of  important  points  of 
Christian  belief,  as  accepted  and  maintained  by  the 
United  Evangelical  Church,  and  are  in  substantial 
harmony  with  that  portion  of  Protestant  Christi- 
anity which  advocates  vntal  godliness,  by  actual 
experience  and  practice. 

2.  Acquaint  yourself  with  our  Book  of  Discipline 
in  general,  and  with  our  general  rules,  in  particu- 
lar. This  should  not  be  a  grievous  duty,  as  these 
rules  treat  of  things  of  vital  import,  and  in  clear 
and  emphatic  terms. 

3.  Be  an  enthusiastic  student  of  the  Bible  doc- 
trine of  redemption  through  Jesus  Christ.  Study 
the  Bible  not  only  for  personal  satisfaction  and 
edification,  but  for  practical  use  and  application 
in  the  pulpit,  in  revival  meetings,  and  in  pastoral 
work.  In  this  you  have  the  promise  of  Divine 
assistance,  the  Holy  Spirit  of  truth  who  will  guide 
you  into  all  truth — a  blessed  companionship  in 
the  study  of  the  whole  counsel  of  God,  in  human 
redemption,  and  salvation.  You  are  to  speak  as 
the  ambassador  of  Christ.  Be  careful  to  avoid 
speculative  definitions  of  the  Deity.  Use  Bible 
terms.  These  are  quite  sufficient,  and  better  un- 
derstood by  the  people. 


U  MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK. 

4.  Never  disappoint  a  congregation,  if  at  all 
avoidable,  and  always  begin  at  the  time  appointed. 

5.  As  a  rule  preach  short  sermons.  Have  some- 
thing to  say  when  you  arise  to  preach,  and  stop 
when  it  is  said. 

6.  Endeavor  at  whatever  cost  and  labor,  always 
to  adapt  your  subject  to  your  audience. 

7.  Select  a  plain  text,  and  stick  to  it.  Do  not 
ramble  in  your  sermon.  It  is  a  serious  fault,  and 
should  be  overcome  at  any  cost  of  painstaking. 

8.  Do  not  preach  with  unabated  loudness.  Speak 
every  word  distinctly.  Emphasize  properly. 
Cultivate  your  voice  Its  quality  must  not  be 
lacking  in  agreeableness,  as  the  words  fall  upon 
the  ear  of  the  auditor. 

9.  Avoid  with  care  anything  afifected  or  awk- 
ward in  your  pulpit  manner,  gesture,  phrase,  or 
pronunciation.  Such  novelties  at  such  a  time, 
from  such  a  source,  will  break  the  connection  of 
thought  in  the  sermon  with  many  of  your  hearers. 

10.  Let  3-our  public  prayers,  like  your  sermons, 
be  adapted  to  the  occasion  ;  be  fervent,  be  spirit- 
ual and  trustful.  Avoid  tediousness  in  manner. 
Be  brief.  Seek  the  presence  and  guidance  of  the 
Holy  Spirit .     ( Rom.  8  :  26. ) 

11.  Adopt  some  plan  of  Bible  study.  Read  the 
Bible  through  in  order.  Read  some  portion  of 
Scripture  every  day,  with  meditation  and  prayer, 
Read  some  passage  with  notes  or  commentary. 
Read  and  enlarge  upon  such  paragraphs  as  espe- 
ciallv  interest  vou. 


MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK.  ::- 

12.  Make  the  gifts  and  offices  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
as  revealed  in  the  sacred  Scriptures  a  special  study. 
Our  Lord,  before  His  departure  from  His  Apostles, 
gave  them  repeated  assurances  of  the  coming  of 
the  Comforter — the  Holy  Spirit,  the  Spirit  of 
Truth,  the  Promise  of  the  Father,  all  of  which 
were  blessedly  fulfilled  on  the  day  of  Pentecost. 
Since  that  baptism  of  power,  the  Church  of  God 
has  been  under  the  Spirit's  dispensation 

13.  While  giving  to  the  directions  contained  in 
the  foregoing  paragraphs  all  the  attention  which 
their  importance  demands,  you  are  not  to  infer 
that  the  reading  and  studying  of  works  of  ac- 
knowledged scientific  merit,  or  of  authentic  re- 
search in  the  more  important  lines  of  correlative 
and  helpful  knowledge,  should  be  treated  with  in- 
difference. The  one  must  be  attended  to  at  any 
cost  of  time  and  earnest  application  ;  the  other 
must  not  be  neglected. 

^  102.    Effective  Preaching. 

1.  An  old  rule  gave  directions  to  the  preacher 
on  this  subject  :  (i)  To  convince  the  mind  and 
move  the  heart ;  (  2 )  To  offer  Christ  in  all  his 
offices  ;  (3)  To  present  and  urge  the  Gospel  invi- 
tation ;  ( 4)  To  build  up  believers  ;  and  to  do  all 
this  in  some  measure  in  every  sermon. 

2.  Another  rule  recommended  was  :  To  preach 
Christ  in  all  His  offices  ;  to  declare  his  law  as  well 
as  his  Gospel,  both  to  saint  and  sinner  ;  and,  in 
addition,  to  strongly  insist  on  inward  and  outward 
holiness  in  all  its  branches, 


-4  MINISTERIAL  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  WORK. 

[  To  this  may  be  added  with  emphasis:^ 
3.  Whatever  the  method  adopted  upon  proper 
consecration  and  Biblical  research,  every  sertnoyi 
should  be  the  best  you  can  preach  tinder  the  condi- 
tions and  at  the  time.  At  the  conclusion  of  the 
service,  you  should  bear  within,  the  assurance  of 
the  Saviour's  commendation,  that  you  have  done 
what  you  could. 

^  103.     Preaching  Places. 

1.  In  general,  the  preacher  should  give  most  at- 
tention to  those  places  where  the  greatest  number 
of  orderly  attentive  hearers  of  the  Word  can  be  se- 
cured, and  where  there  are  the  strongest  indica- 
tions of  results  in  the  salvation  of  souls  and  the 
permanent  establishment  of  the  Church. 

2.  Preaching  places  once  established  in  a  com- 
munity should  not  be  discontinued  by  the  preacher 
in  charge  in  the  interval  between  the  Annual  Con- 
ference sessions,  without  the  consent  of  the  pre- 
siding elder  and  the  Quarterly  Conference  ;  m  her- 
ever  there  is  a  discontinuance  of  an  appointment, 
the  preacher  in  charge  shall  transfer  the  names  of 
members  to  such  adjacent  classes  as  they  may  se- 
lect. 

3.  As  a  rule  only  so  many  regular  new  appoint- 
ments should  be  taken  up,  as  can  be  served  with 
sufficient  attention  to  give  promise  of  good  results, 
without  detriment  to  the  regular  appointments  of 
the  charge.  Acceptable  local  ministerial  talent 
may  be  advantageously  employed  to  assist  in  the 
extension  of  the  work  of  a  charge,  and  should  be 
so  engaged  with  every  opportunity. 


RECEPTION   .AND  STATION   OF   MINlSTERb.  75 

4.  Any  person  not  a  minisrer  or  representative 
of  our  church  interests,  applying  for  permission 
to  preach  in  any  of  our  churches,  or  to  occupy 
them  for  any  other  purpose,  shall  present  proper 
credentials,  and  may  then  be  allowed  the  use  of 
the  church  by  obtaining  the  unanimous  consent 
of  the  board  of  trustees  and  the  preacher  in 
charge. 

CHAPTER  TT. 
Reception  and  Station  of  3Iinisters. 

I.  Rccommcndatioit. 

1j  104.  A  candidate  for  the  ministry  may  be  li- 
censed by  an  Annual  or  the  General  Conference. 
The  applicant  for  license  must  present  a  good 
recommendation  from  the  class  to  which  he  be- 
longs, to  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  charge, 
or  to  the  Annual  or  the  General  Conference,  in 
the  following  form  : — 

IFe,  the  undersigned  members  of  A — 's  elass^  rec- 
ommend our  brother,  B —  C — ,  as  a  suitable 
person  for  the  office  of  the  ministry,  and  do 
herezi'ith  give  him  a  good  testimony  respect- 
ing his  conduct  as  a  Christian,  and  beliez-r 
him  to  be  possessed  of  the  necessary  abilities, 
and  called  of  God  to  this  cfficc. 

It  is  required  that  ^he  recommendation  shall 
contain  the  names  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 


76  REBEPTION   AM)  SIATION    OF  MINISTERS. 

present  at  a  duly  annoir/ced  meeting,  held  for  the 
purpose  of  considering  the  matter,  provided  the 
number  of  signatures  finally  obtained  shall  con- 
stitute a  majority  of  the  entire  membership  ot 
the  class. 

TI.  Qurstious  fo  Applicants. 

^  103.  The    Chairman    of    the    conference   is   to 
examine  the  candidate  in  the   following  manner  : 

1.  Do  you  believe  yourself  to  be  Divinely  called 

to  preach   the   Gospel  ? 

2.  Have  you   obtained   the   pardon   of  your   sins 

and  peace  with  God,  through  faith  in  Christ? 

3.  Does    the    Spirit    of    God    bear    witness    with 

your  spirit  that  3-ou  are  a  child  of  God? 

4.  Do  you  earnestly  desire  and  seek  to  have  the 

love  of  God  shed  abroad  in  your  heart  by 
the  Holy  Spirit,  in  such  a  measure  that  you 
may   have    victory   over   every   sin? 

5.  Are   you    acquainted    with   the    doctrines    and 

Discipline  of  our  Church? 

6.  Will  you   observe  and  defend  them? 

7.  Have  you   more   debts   than   you   are  able  to 

pay? 

8.  Will  you  wholly  abstain   from   the   use  of  to- 

bacco ? 
If  the  applicant  satisfactorily  answers  all  the 
foregoing  questions,  the  Conference  may,  if  an 
Annual  or  the  General  Conference,  by  a  majority 
of  its  ministerial  votes,  license  him  as  a  preacher 
on  trial,   and   if  a   Quarterly   Conference,  recom- 


RECEPTION   AND  STATION   OF  MINISTERS.  77 

mend  him  to  an  A'.mual  or  the  General  Confer- 
ence for  such  Hcensc. 

III.  Mi)iistcrs  from   Other  Churches. 

H  io6.  If  a  minister  of  another  denomination 
desires  to  unite  with  our  church,  he  shall  produce 
from  his  church  approved  credentials  of  his 
Christian  character  and  standing  in  office,  and 
present  them  to  that  conference  to  which  he 
makes  application  for  reception.  He  shall  also 
make  a  statement  or  answer  to  the  fourth,  fifth, 
sixth,  seventh  and  eighth  questions  in  the  rules 
for  the  licensing  of  ministers,  and  if  he  is  an  or- 
dained minister,  he  shall  assume,  either  verbally 
or  in  writing,  the  vows  contained  in  the  form  for 
ordaining  ministers.  If  the  conference  considers 
his  credentials  and  statements  satisfactory,  he  may 
be  received  as  Deacon  or  Elder,  according  to  the 
rank  which  he  held  in  his  former  church 

I\^.  Deaeo)ts. 

t[  107.  All  local  preacher>  who  have  served  a 
probation  of  six  years,  and  who  are  recommended 
by  the  Presiding  Elder  of  the  district  on  which 
they  reside,  and  all  preachers  on  trial  who  have 
traveled  for  two  years  under  the  Presiding  Elder, 
if  they  receive  a  two-thirds  majority  of  votes  of 
the  conference,  shall  be  ordained  to  the  office  of 
Deacon,  according  to  the  ritual  of  our  church. 
Any  of  our  ministers  w-ho  are  employed  as  teach- 
ers   in    any    of   our    institutions    of   learning,    and 


78  RHCEPTION   AND  S  lA  IION   OF  MlNh>TKRS. 

have  served  a  prcbation  of  three  years ;  and  those 
in  course  of  preparation  as  missionaries  to  the 
heathen,  after  having  served  a  probation  of  two 
years,  may  be  considered  as  candidates  for  Dea- 
con's orders. 

V.  Elders. 

ll  io8.  After  a  Deacon  has  well  discharged  the 
duties  of  his  office  as  an  itinerant  preacher  among 
us  for  two  years,  or  if  he  has  served  as  teacher 
for  three  years  in  any  of  our  institutions  ot  learn- 
ing, he  may  be  presented  to  the  conference  as  a 
candidate  tor  the  office  of  Elder,  and  if  he  ob- 
tains a  two-thirds  majority  of  votes,  then  he  i'^ 
to  be  duly  ordained. 

\^I.  Presiding    Elders. 

II  109.  Presiding  Elders  shall  be  elected  from 
among  the  Itinerant  Elders,  by  a  majority  of 
votes  of  an  Annral  Conference,  for  a  term  of 
four  years.  A  Presiding  Elder  shall  not  serve 
in  that  capacity  longer  than  two  terms  consec- 
utively. 

VTT.  Bishops. 

^  no.  A  Bishop  shall  be  elected  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  from  among  the  Itinerant  Elders, 
by  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  votes,  for 
a  term  of  four  years ;  and  if  he  proves  to  be  a 
faithful  shepherd,  lives  according  to  the  Word  of 
God.  and  the  rules  of  our  Discipline,  in  true  god- 


RECEPTION    AND  STATION    OF   MINISTERS.  79 

line5>.  and  if  no  other  impediments  render  it  im- 
practicable, he  may  be  re-elected,  but  shall  not  be 
continued  in  office  for  more  than  two  successive 
terms. 

\''II1.  Itinerants. 

^111.  All  Elders  and  Deacons  who  have  re- 
ceived their  ordination,  after  having  traveled  two 
years,  either  by  appointment  of  the  stationinj> 
committee  or  a  Presiding  Elder,  shall  be  eligible, 
and  may  be  admitted  into  the  itinerancy  by  a 
two-thirds  vote  of  the  conference,  and  when  so 
admitted  shall  be  known  as  itinerants. 

TX.   Local    Preachers. 

!l  112.  A  local  preacher  is  one  who  is  licensed 
to  serve  in  the  Word  as  occasion  may  require  and 
opportunity  offer,  but  who  either  has  never  been 
received  into  the  traveling  connection  by  an  An- 
nual Conference,  or.  if  he  was  thus  received,  has 
l)een   located  thereby. 

X.  Superannuated    Preachers. 

^   113.  A  superannuated  preacher  is  one  who  is 

unable,   because   of   bodily   infirmities,  to   serve   a 

charge,  and  has  been  transferred,  by  the  confer- 
ence, to  the   superannuated  list. 

XT.  Snpernunierary    Preachers. 

%,.  114.  A  supernume^rary  preacher  is  one  who 
either  because  of  bodilv    infirmities   or   for   some 


80  RECEPTION   AND  STATION   OF  MINISTERS. 

Other    reason,    has    retired    from    active    pastoral 
service,  but  is  able  to  serve  in  some  other  calling. 

XII.  Ezaugclists. 

*"  115.  The  Stationing  Committee  shall  appoint 
(Mie  or  more  members  of  an  Annual  Conference  to 
do  Evangelistic  work  on  charges  within  that  con- 
ference if  invited  b\'  their  pastors  and  in  co-oper- 
ation with  them ;  or,  in  neglected  territory  with- 
in any  district,  when  requested  by  and  in  co-oper- 
ation with  the  Presiding  Elder  of  the  district ; 
provided,  that  the  conference  shall  determine  by 
a  vote  how  many  of  its  members  may  be  thus  ap- 
pointed ;  and.  provided  further,  that  the  said  An- 
nual Conference  shall  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the 
members  present  and  voting,  request  such  ap- 
pointments. No  pastor  shall  engage  an  Evan- 
gelist other  than  those  appointed  by  the  confer- 
ence, without  first  obtaining  the  written  consent 
of  his  Presiding  Elder. 


DUTIES  OF  PREACHERS. 

CHAPTER    III. 
Duties  of  Preachers. 

'    1 1 6.      Duties  of  a  Local  Preacher. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  local  preacher  to 
preach  when  an  i  wherever  called  upon.  He  shall 
exert  himself  to  procure  new  preaching  places,  and 
attend  to  them  faithfully  and  diligently  He  shall 
acquaint  the  people  with  our  Church  Discipline. 
Wherever  the  Lord  blesses  his  labor  in  awakening 
and  converting  souls,  he  shall , if  practicable , receive 
them  into  the  Church,  form  them  into  classes,  and 
introduce  them  into  the  mission,  circuit,  or  station. 

2.  He  shall,  likewise,  visit  the  sick  and  assist 
the  poor  and  indigent ;  and  if  called  upon  to  con- 
duct funeral  services,  he  shall  do  it  willingly  and 
never  refuse,  except  there  be  some  unavoidable 
hindrance. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  an  ordained  local 
preacher,  wherever  necessary,  to  baptize,  to  assist 
in  administering  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  to  perform 
marriage  ceremonies. 

4.  Of  him  it  is  especially  required,  above  other 
local  preachers,  in  case  of  necessity,  to  fill  the  ap- 
pointments of  itinerant  preacl  ers. 

5.  He  shall  give  the  church  a  good  example  of 
charitableness,  instruct  all  in  this  duty  by  exhor- 
tation and  preaching,  and  do  works  of  charity  and 
mercy  to  those  in  need  and  especially  to  the  house- 
hold of  God. 

Duties  of  a  Traveling  Preacher. 
\  117-  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  traveling  preacher ; 


82  DUTIES  OF  PREACHERS. 

1.  To  preacri  as  mucn  as  possible  on  his 
appointed  field  of  labor,  and  never  to  neglect  an 
appointment. 

2.  To  see  that  our  Church  Discipline  is  observed 
in  every  respect  on  his  charge . 

3.  When  there  are  no  stewards,  to  appoint 
stewards  who  shall  serve  until  the  next  Quarterly 
Conference.  To  appoint  a  day  preceding  the 
quarterly  or  general  meeting  as  a  special  day  for 
fasting  and  prayers,  and  to  inculcate  the  duty  of 
giving  alms. 

4.  To  visit  the  people,  the  sick,  the  prisoners,  the 
poor  and  needy,  and  to  assist  them  in  temporal  and 
spiritual  things,  and  by  example  and  exhortation 
induce  others  thereto.  He  shall,  at  every  visit,  if 
practicable,  offer  prayer.  He  shall  recommend 
cleanliness,  economy,  and  godliness.  He  shall  give 
counsel  and  advice  to  the  children,  and,  wherever 
practicable,  organize  catechetical  classes,  and  fur- 
nish his  successor  in  office  a  correct  report  of  the 
names  of  the  catechumens,  and  how  far  they  are 
advanced  in  the  catechism. 

5.  To  form  classes  wherever  the  Lord  effects 
awakening, conviction  ,and  conversion  by  his  labors; 
or  wherever  a  fav^orable  opportunity  presents  itself. 

Duties  of  a  Preacher  in  Charge. 

i  118.  The  following  additional  duties  devolve 
upon  him  to  whom  is  intrusted  the  charge  of  a 
circuit,  station,  or  mission  : 

I.  He  shall  see  that  the  other  preachers  on  his 
field  of  labor  conduct  themselves  well,  and  that 
they  lack  in  nothing. 


DUTIES  OF  PREACHERS.  R? 

2.  It  devolves  upon  him  lo  preside  at  the  elec- 
tion of  class  leaders  and  assistant  leaders,  and 
renew  the  class  books.  He  shall  keep  a  general 
Church  Register,  and  accurately  record  therein  the 
names  of  our  members  on  his  charge,  and  shall 
carefully  prepare  the  statistics,  as  indicated  by  the 
rules  governing  the  Annual  Conference  procedure, 
and  shall  record  all  other  important  occurences 
which  may  be  useful  for  his  successor  in  office  to 
know. 

3.  According  to  the  directions  of  our  Discipline, , 
he   shall   admit,  examine,  put   back   on    trial,  or 
exclude  members,  as  the  case  may  require. 

4.  He  shall  also  be  diligent  in  forming  Sunday- 
schools  where  there  are  none,  and  keep  watch  over 
those  on  his  field  of  labor.  He  shall  encourage 
his  societies,  by  word  and  deed,  to  zealous  partici- 
pation in  the  Sunday-schools,  and  in  love  and  ear- 
nestness admonish  those  who  neglect  these  duties. 

5.  He  shall  see  that  the  society  is  duly  supplied 
with  such  books  and  periodicals  as  may  be  recom- 
mended by  our  General  or  Annual  Conferences. 

6.  Wherever,  on  his  field  of  labor,  the  erection 
of  church  edifices  or  parsonages  becomes  neces- 
sary, and  there  are  prospects  at  hand  that  they  can 
be  erected  by  voluntary  contributions,  it  is  his 
duty  to  see  that  the  work  is  properly  commenced 
and  executed . 

7.  In  all  important  matters  he  shall  solicit  the 
advice  of  his  brethren  in  office,  and  especially  that 
of  the  Presiding  Elder,  and  give  the  latter  infor- 
mation respecting  the  condition  of  his   field   of 


84  DUTIES  OF   PRhACHERS. 

labor.  He  shall  also  baptize  according;  to  tlu 
Word  of  God  and  perform  the  ceremony  of  mar- 
riage. In  this,  however,  he  shall  be  subject  to. 
and  proceed  in  accordance  with,  the  laws  of  the 
state  in  which  he  executes  the  religious  function. 
If  he  is  an  ordained  preacher,  he  shall  admin- 
ister the  Lord's  Supper. 

^  119.  Duties  of   a    Presiding   Elder. 

1.  He  shall  oversee  the  temporal  and  spiritual 
interests  of  the  district  to  which  he  has  been  ap- 
pointed, travel  therein  and  preach  as  often  ?i< 
practicable. 

2.  He  shall  appoint  the  time  of  the  quarterly 
meetings  and  have  charge  of  the  spiritual  inter- 
ests of  the  camp-meetings  and  call  such  ministers 
of  his  district  as  may  be  necessary  to  hold  the 
same.  He  shall  preside  at  the  Quarterly  Confer- 
ences and  whenever  practicable,  have  charge  of 
the  administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  He 
shall  inquire  whether  the  preachers  do  their  duty, 
and  exhort  them  to  maintain  discipline  and  or- 
der, love  and  seriousness  in  the  Church.  He 
shall  look  after  the  organization  of  young  peo- 
ple's societies  on  his  district,  and  make  inquiry 
in  the  Quarterly  Conference  as  to  the  work  of  the 
societies. 

3.  In  case  of  necessity,  he  shall  have  the  au- 
thority in  the  intervals  between  the  .\nnual  Con- 
ference sessions,  to  change  or  transfer  preachers 
in  accordance  with  the  judgment  of  a  majority  of 


DUTIES  OF   PREACHER?.  8S 

the  preachers  in  charge  on  the  district ;  also  to 
receive  preachers  on  trial,  and  to  remove  im- 
moral ones  within  the  bounds  of  his  district,  ac- 
cording to  the  direction  of  our  Church  Discipline. 

4.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  make  strict  inquiry  as 
to  whether  each  pastor  has  received  the  amount  ot 
salary  due  him.  and  in  case  of  a  deficiency,  to 
make  an  earnest  effort  to  secure  the  balance  due. 

5.  Each  Presiding  Elder  shall  present  a  written 
report  of  his  district  to  his  Annual  Conference. 

^  120.     Duties  of  a  Bishop. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  Bishop : 

1.  To  preside  at  the  Annual  and  General  Con- 
ferences, in  accordance  with  the  regulations  of 
our  Discipline. 

2.  To  be  a  member  of  the  Stationing  Commit- 
tee when  President  of  an  Annual  Conference. 

3.  In  the  intervals  between  Annual  Conference 
sessions,  as  necessity  may  require,  to  change 
preachers  from  one  district  to  another,  with  the 
consent  of  the  Presiding  Elders  of  such  districts 
and  the  preachers  thus  changed ;  and  to  transfer 
preachers  from  one  conference  to  another  with 
the  consent  of  such  preachers  and  the  conferences 
to  which  they  are  transferred. 

4.  To  oversee  the  spiritual  interests  of  the 
Church,  carefully  guarding  them  so  that  every- 
thing shall  be  done  ^a^ccording  to  the  Word  of 
God  and  the  rules  of  our  Church. 


86  OL  riF>   OH    PRKACHHRS. 

5.  To  perform  the  ceremony  of  ordination  in 
accordance  with  the  regulations  of  our  Discipline. 

6.  To  prepare  and  submit  to  the  General  Con- 
ference a  message  embracing  his  views  concern- 
ing the  general  state  of  the  Church. 


PART  IV. 
CHURCH  TRIALS. 


I.  Trial  of  Lav  Members. 

II.  Trial  of  Ministers. 

III.  Trial  of  a  Bishop. 

IV  Court  of  Appeals 

V.  Jurisdiction  and  Evidence. 


CHAPTER    I. 

Chorch  Trials. 

^  121.  Church  trials  sliould  be  res^artled  by  all 
ministers,  pastors,  and  churches  as  an  expedient  of 
last  resort.  The  ministry  and  membership  of  the 
Church  in  general,  and  of  every  local  'Jociety,  with 
its  pastors  and  officers  in  particular,  should  make 
every  reasonable  effort  to  adjust  existing  difficulties 
before  any  steps  are  taken  to  institute  a  trial. 

Trial  of  Lay  Members. 

H  122.  The  trial  of  lay  members  shall  be  before 
a  select  number  of  the  society  to  which  they  b^-long, 
or,  if  necessary,  for  prudential  reasons,  before  a 
committee  from  another  society  of  our  Church,  in 
number  not  less  than  three, who  shall,  upon  an  im- 
partial hearing  of  the  evidence,  determine  the 
questions  of  innocence,  blame- worthiness,  or  guilt, 
and  the  sentence  to  be  pronounced. 

Xeglect  of  Duty. 

T  123.  In  all  cases  of  reputed  negligence  and 
lack  of  faithfulness  respecting  Christian  privileges 
and  responsibilities,  as  clearly  set  forth  in  the  Word 
of  God,  and  in  our  General  Rules,  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  class-leader  and  his  assistant  to  visit 
and  admonish  such  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  an(J 


90  TRIAL  OF  LAV  MEMBERS. 

love,  and  to  do  this  repeatedly,  if  the  case  shall 
require  it.  If  no  reformation  is  witnessed  as  a 
result,  such  delinquent  shall  be  reported  to  the 
preacher  in  charge,  for  additional  admonition  and 
reformatory  efforts,  and  if  all  these  shall  prove  un- 
availing, trial  proceedings  shall  be  instituted,  or  the 
case  may  be  first  reported  to  the  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence for  counsel  and  instruction. 

If  such  a  delinquent  member  is  brought  to  trial 
and  convicted,  lie  shall  be  excluded  from  the 
church,  unless  he  shall  at  such  investigation  ap- 
pear to  be  truly  contrite  and  desirous  to  amend  his 
course,  in  which  case  he  may  be  placed  on  proba- 
tion for  a  period  not  to  exceed  six  months.  If, 
then,  the  preacher  in  charge,  the  class-leader  and 
the  assistant  class-leader,  or  a  majority  of  them, 
shall  conclude  that  no  real  improvement  in  his 
conduct  has  taken  place  durine  the  probation,  the 
offending  member  shall  be  excluded.  If  in  any 
case  the  accused  refuses  to  be  present  at  such  trial, 
the  hearing  shall  be  held  as  if  he  were  present. 

Imprudent  and  Sinful  Conduct. 

%  124.  In  all  cases  of  reputed  sinful  conduct, 
vioiaiions  of  Christian  propriety,  the  indulgence 
in  sinful  words  or  temper,  the  buying,  selling,  or 
using  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage,  signing 
petitions  in  favor  of  granting  license  for  the  sale 
of  intoxicating  liquors,  becoming  bondsman  for 
persons  engaged  in  such  traffic,  renting  property 
as  a  place  in  or  on  which  to  manufacture  or  sell 
intoxicating  liquors,  patronizing  amusements  and 


TRIAL  OF  LAV   MEMBERS.  -! 

games  of  chance  of  immoral  tendencies,  and  the 
like,  proper  inquiry  shall  first  be  made  by  the 
class-leader  or  the  preacher  in  charge  respecting 
the  authenticity  of  such  reports,  and  if  these 
prove  to  be  sufficiently  reliable  to  make  them  ap- 
pear credible,  the  class-leader,  or  the  preacher 
in  charge,  or  both  of  them  together,  shall  visit 
such  member  and  inquire  definitely  into  the  mat- 
ter. In  case  of  confession,  humility,  and  promises 
of  repentance  and  reformation,  the  erring  mem- 
ber shall  be  borne  with  for  a  reasonable  time  ;  but 
if  such  reformation  does  not  follow,  the  accused 
shall  be  brought  to  trial.  Should  the  accused, 
during  the  trial,  manifest  sufl5cient  evidence  of 
true  penitence  and  contrition  to  warrant  the  hope 
of  reformation,  the  same  leniency  may  be  exer- 
cised as  in  the  case  of  neglect  of  duty  ;  if  not, 
such  member  shall,  upon  conviction,  be  excluded 
from  the  church. 

Gross  Immorality. 

\  125.  In  all  cases  of  reputed  gross  immorality, 
the  member  shall  be  visited  without  delay  by  the 
class-leader,  or  the  preacher  in  charge,  or  by  both 
together,  and  the  matter  shall  be  definitely  in- 
quired into,  and  if  the  report  be  found  sufficiently 
credible  to  demand  an  investigation,  trial  proceed- 
ings shall  be  instituted  according  to  the  directions 
given  in  our  Discipline  ;  and  in  case  of  conviction, 
he  shall  be  expelled  from  the  church. 
Causing  Dissension. 

^  126.     If  any  member  of   our  church  shall  be 
accused  of  causing  dissension  in  any  of  our  socie- 


92  TRIAL  OF  LAV  MEMBERS. 

ties,  by  inveighing  against  our  doctrines  or  Disci- 
pline, the  member  so  offending  shall  be  reproved 
by  the  preacher  in  charge,  and,  if  necessary,  re- 
peatedly admonished  to  a  better  course  of  thought 
and  action  ;  but  if  he  shall  persist  in  such  perni- 
cious practice,  he  shall  be  brought  to  trial,  and, 
upon  conviction,  be  excluded  from  the  church. 

Arbitration. 

^  127.  In  the  event  of  disagreement  between 
two  or  more  members  of  our  church  concerning 
business  transactions  or  interests,  which  the  parties 
are  unable  to  satisfactorily  adjust,  the  preacher  in 
charge  shall,  upon  inquiry,  recommend  to  the  par- 
ties a  reference  of  the  matter  to  a  committee  of 
live  arbiters,  two  to  be  chosen  by  each  of  the  re- 
spective parties,  and  these  four  to  choose  the  fifth; 
such  arbiters  being  members  of  our  church. 

%  128.  The  verdict  of  the  arbiters  shall  be  bind- 
ing alike  on  the  several  parties,  and  if  either  re- 
fuse to  abide  by  the  judgment  rendered,  it  shall  be 
regarded  as  an  offence  against  the  order  and  disci- 
pline of  the  church,  rendering  him  liable  to  com- 
plaint and  trial,  in  which  case,  except  he  can  show- 
sufficient  cause  for  such  persistence,  he  shall  be 
excluded. 

^  129.  A  member  of  our  church  who  shall  refuse, 
in  case  of  debt  or  other  dispute,  to  submit  the 
matter  to  arbitration  when  advised  to  do  so  by  the 
class-leader,  or  pastor,  or  both,  and  shall  enter  into 
a  lawsuit  with  another  member,  without  first  seek- 
ing adjustment  by  resort  to  peaceable  measures. 


TRIAL  OF   LAY  MEMBERS.  9? 

shall  likewise  be  regarded  as  having  violated  the 
order  and  discipline  of  the  church,  and  shall  be 
liable  as  in  the  preceding  paragraj^h.  This  is  not 
to  apply  to  executors  and  administrators,  nor  in 
cases  where  delay  would  entail  financial  loss. 

Right  of  Appeal  of  Lay  Members. 

^  13°'  In  all  cases  of  trials  of  lay  members  re- 
sulting in  the  conviction  and  sentencing  of  the 
accused,  an  appeal  to  the  Quarterly  Conference 
shall  be  granted,  provided  the  appellant  shall, 
within  thirty  days  after  receiving  a  copy  of  the 
verdict,  give  notice  to  this  effect  to  the  secretary 
of  said  trial,  who  shall  thereupon  send  or  convey 
the  record  of  the  trial  to  the  preacher  in  charge, 
to  be  presented  by  him  at  the  next  session  of  the 
Quarterly  Conference,  which  shall  carefully  exam- 
ine the  charges  and  specifications,  and  the  evi- 
dence presented  for  and  against  the  accused,  and, 
by  a  majority  vote,  pass  upon  each,  which  action 
shall  be  final  in  the  case.  Any  member  of  Quar- 
terly Conference  having  served  as  juror  on  the 
case,  shall  have  no  vote  in  Quarterly  Conference 
on  the  same  case  in  appeal. 

If  in  passing  upon  a  case  of  appeal  the  Quarterly 
Conference  find  evidence  of  irregularities  sufiicient 
to  have  prejudiced  the  cause  of  the  appellant,  it 
shall  annul  the  action  of  the  committee  and  order 
a  new  trial.  If  it  fine's  the  action  regular  in  all  re- 
spects, but  the  evidence  against  the  accused  in- 
sufficient to  warrant  the  verdict,  it  shall  reverse  the 
action  of  the  committee.     If  it  finds  the  action  of 


'M  TRIAL  OF   LAY   MEMBERS. 

the  committee  regulai  ana  the  evidence  sufficient 
to  sustain  the  verdict,  it  shall  ratif}'  the  same. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  of  the  Quar- 
terly Conference  to  transmit  to  the  appellant  a  co})y 
of  the  decision  rendered  in  the  case,  without  delay 

Right  oj  Challenge. 

•'  131.  In  all  cases  of  trial  the  accused  shall  have 
the  right  of  reasonable  challenge  respecting  thoi-e 
who  shall  sit  in  the  case  as  jury  or  trial  committee. 
A  person  disqualified  to  sit  as  a  juror  in  a  civil  suit, 
because  of  interest  or  prejudice,  should,  in  an  in- 
tensified degree,  be  deemed  out  of  place  in  a 
church  trial. 

Appointment  of  Plaintiff. 

*  132.  In  all  cases  of  laj-  members  in  which 
trials  are  deemed  necessary,  but  in  which  no  mem- 
ber of  the  society  is  willing  to  act  as  accuser,  the 
Quarterly  Conference  shall  appoint  a  person  who 
shall  serve  as  plaintiff  on  behalf  of  the  cbnrch. 
At  such  trial,  the  preacher  in  charge,  the  Presiding 
Elder,  or  another  ordained  minister  of  the  district, 
appointed  by  the  Presiding  Elder,  shall  preside. 

\  133.     President  of  a  Trial. 

I .  In  all  cases  of  trials  of  lay  members  in  which 
the  preacher  in  charge  must  not  be  excused  for 
prudential  or  other  important  reasons,  it  shall  be 
his  duty  to  institute  and  preside  at  such  trials; 
but  if,  for  sufficient  reasons,  he  must  be  excused, 
the  Presiding  Elder  of  the  district  shall  take  his 
place,  or  appoint  an  ordained  minister  of  his  dis- 


TRIAL   OF-    MIMSIHRS. 

trici  to  do  so.  If  the  preacher  in  cliargc  preside^ 
at  a  trial,  he  siiall  also  appoint  the  trial  commit- 
tee. If  the  preacher  in  charge,  for  prudential  rea- 
sons, cannot  preside,  the  Presiding  Elder  shall 
appoint  the  committee  and  also  the  time  and 
place,  even  in  cases  in  which  he  cannot  himself 
preside. 

2.  A  minister  who  presides  at  the  trial  of  any 
member  shall  in  all  cases  preserve  strictly  an  im- 
partial attitude,  such  as  would  be  expected  of  an 
honorable  jurist  in  a  civil  court,  and  shall  have 
no  part  in  determining  the  verdict  or  framing  the 
-entence.  He  shall  be  accessible  to  the  members 
'if  the  trial  committee  to  impart  any  needed  in- 
formation on  legal  points,  but  shall  refuse  to  com- 
mit himself  as  to  the  merits  of  the  case  in  hand. 


CH.\PTER   II, 
Trial  of  3Iinisters. 

^  134.  The  ministers  of  each  Annual  Confer- 
ence shall  elect  annually  from  among  their  own 
members  seven  or  more  men.  Elders,  if  possible, 
yet  so  that  they  do  not  exceed  twelve  in  number, 
who  shall  serve  as  a  Trial  Court  in  case  of  any 
and  all  charges,  duly  preferred  against  any  minis- 
ter of  the  conference.  All  vacancies  in  the  court 
shall  be  filled  by  the   remaining  members. 

^  135-  When  a  minister  is  charged  with  a  crime 
expressly   forbidden  Tri   the   Word   of  God  as   an 


96  TRIAL  OF  MINISTERS. 

un-christian  practice,  the  Presiding  Elder  on 
whose  district  he  resides  shall,  after  having  fur- 
nished the  accused  a  copy  of  the  charges,  convene 
the  Trial  Court  at  as  early  a  day  as  practicable, 
and  at  such  place  as  shall  be  most  convenient  to 
those  concerned.  If  the  accused  be  a  Presiding 
Elder,  the  Bishop  shall  furnish  him  a  copy  of 
the  charges,  and  convene  the  Trial  Court.  This 
Trial  Court,  when  so  convened,  shall  have  full 
powder  to  try  the  accused,  and,  if  necessity  re- 
quires, censure  him,  or  suspend  him  from  office 
until  the  next  session  of  the  Annual  Conference. 

II136.  The  Trial  Court  shall  elect  a  chairman 
and  a  secretary  from  among  its  own  members. 

^  137.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record 
of  all  the  trial  proceedings,  and  take  charge  of  all 
papers  and  documents  submitted  in  the  case.  The 
record,  after  having  been  approved  by  the  court, 
shall  be  signed  by  the  president  and  secretary, 
and,  together  with  the  papers  and  documents  pre- 
sented, shall  be  transmitted  to  the  secretary  of 
the  Annual  Conference,  to  be  used  in  reviewing 
the  trial.  A  certified  copy  of  the  record  shall  be 
furnished  the  defendant  if  he  demands  it. 

^  138.  The  defendant  shall  have  the  right  of 
peremptory  challenge,  yet  not  so  as  to  reduce  the 
court  below  two-thirds  of  its  original  number. 
Two-thirds  of  the  court  actually  sitting  in  the 
case  shall  be  necessary  to  convict.  If  the  accused 
evade  a  trial  it  shall  be  received  as  presumptive 
evidence  against  him,  and  the  court  shall  proceed 


TRIAL  OF  MINISTERS.  97 

with  the  case  and  deal  with  him  as  though  he 
were  present. 

^  139.  If  there  be  rumors  charging  a  minister 
with  immoral  or  un-christian  conduct,  and  to 
one  appears  as  accuser  against  him,  the  Presiding 
Elder  to  whose  district  he  belongs  shall  take  one 
or  two  ministers  with  him  and  inquire  thorough- 
ly into  the  matter,  and.  if  they  find  the  rumors 
well  founded,  they,  or  any  one  of  them,  shall 
formulate  and  prefer  charges  to  the  Bishop,  who 
-hall  proceed  in  the  matter  as  provided  in  ^  135. 

^  140.  If  the  circumstances  be  such  that  a  trial 
cannot  immediately  be  held  in  any  of  the  cases 
above  provided  for,  then  the  Bishop  or  the  Pre- 
siding Elder  shall  suspend  such  a  minister  from 
his  office  until  his  trial.  If,  however,  the  accused 
be  a  Presiding  Elder,  he  shall  be  suspended  by  the 
Bishop.  But  such  suspension  can  only  be  made 
when  the  charges  are  in  writing  and  subscribed 
to  by  those  who  are  willing  to  prosecute  them ; 
provided,  however,  that  the  defendant  shall  have 
the  right  to  demand  a  trial  within  twenty  days. 

^  141.  In  case  of  improper  temper,  words,  or 
actions,  the  minister  so  offending  shall  be  admon- 
ished by  his  Presiding  Elder,  or,  if  the  offender 
be  a  Presiding  Elder,  by  the  Bishop.  Should  the 
offense  occur  the  second  time,  one  or  two  minis- 
ters are  to  be  taken  along  as  witnesses.  If  he  of- 
fends a  third  time,  let  the  case  be  proceeded  with 
according  to  H  i35-_ 

^  142.  When    a   mihister   fails    in   business,   or 


98  TRIAL  OF  MINISTERS. 

contracts  debts  which  he  is  not  able  to  pay,  the 
Presiding  Elder,  or  if  the  brother  who  thus  fails 
be  a  Presiding  Elder,  the  Bishop,  shall  appoint 
three  judicious  men,  members  of  our  church,  to 
inspect  the  accounts,  contracts,  and  circumstances 
of  the  supposed  delinquent,  and  if,  in  their  opin- 
ion, he  has  been  dishonest,  or  contracted  debts 
without  the  probability  of  being  able  to  pay  them, 
let  the  case  be  disposed  of  according  to  ^  135.  • 

^  143.  If  a  minister  disseminate  doctrines  con- 
trary to  the  Word  of  God  and  our  articles  of 
faith,  or  inveighs  against  our  Discipline,  let  the 
same  process  be  observed  as  in  cases  of  immoral- 
ity. But  if  such  minister  solemnly  promise  to 
cease  from  disseminating  such  erroneous  doc- 
trines, he  shall  be  borne  with  until  his  case  shall 
be  laid  before  the  Annual  Conference,  which  may 
order  a  trial  before  the  Trial  Court  provided  for 
in  H  134. 

II  144.  If  in  the  examination  of  the  moral  and 
official  conduct  of  the  preachers  in  the  Annual 
Conference,  it  appears  that  there  are  rumors,  or 
accusations  of  un-Christian  conduct,  or  of  official 
misconduct,  but  that  there  are  no  legal  charges, 
the  Conference  shall  appoint  a  committee  of  in- 
quiry to  whom  the  matter  shall  be  referred,  and 
said  committee  shall  report  its  findings  to  the 
Conference.  If  the  committee  finds  that  there  is 
necessity  for  a  trial,  the  Conference  shall  appoint 
a  plaintiff  and  order  the  case  to  be  proceeded  with 
according  to  ^  135. 


TRIAL  OF  A  BISHOP,  99 

tf  145.  In  all  cases  in  which  a  minister  who 
stands  in  full  connection  as  an  Itinerant,  or  as  a 
local  Elder,  has  been  convicted  and  sentenced  to 
be  censured,  deposed  from  office,  or  expelled  from 
the  church,  he  shall  be  allowed  an  appeal  to  the 
Court  of  Appeals,  provided  that  he  notify  the 
president  of  the  Annual  Conference  of  his  inten- 
tion to  do  so  within  thirty  days  after  the  close  of 
the  conference  session.  In  the  case  of  a  preacher 
on  trial  or  of  a  local  Deacon,  the  action  of  the 
Annual  Conference  shall  be  final. 


IRIAL  OF  A   BISHOP.  101 

CHAPTER  III. 

Trial  of  a  Bishop. 

\\  147.  Charges  of  immoral  or  im-christian  con- 
duct against  a  Bishop  must  be  preferred  in  writ- 
ing, signed  by  at  least  three  traveling  Elders,  and 
plainl)'  allege  an  offense  clearly  forbidden  in  the 
Word  of  God.  Such  charges  must  be  presented 
to  the  Presiding  Elder  of  the  district  on  which, 
or  of  the  one  nearest  to  which,  the  offense  is  al- 
leged to  have  been  committed.  After  having  re- 
ceived such  written  charges  the  Presiding  Elder 
shall  convene  a  Judicial  Conference,  to  be  com- 
posed of  the  Triers  of  Appeals  in  five  neighbor- 
ing conferences.  The  said  Judicial  Conference, 
when  so  convened,  shall  have  full  power  to  try 
the  accused  Bishop,  according  to  the  directions 
of  the  Discipline,  and  to  suspend  him  from  the 
functions  of  his  ofiFice,  or  to  expel  him  from  the 
church. 

11  148.  The  accused  shall  have  the  right  of  per- 
emptory challenge,  yet  not  so  as  to  reduce  the 
number  of  the  conference  below  fifteen,  of  whom 
ten,  or  a  like  a  proportion,  if  the  conference  be 
larger,  shall  be  necessary  to  convict. 

^  149.  The  Judicial  Conference  shall  elect  a 
president  and  a  secretary  from  among  its  own 
members.  An  accurate  record  of  all  the  proceed- 
ings shall  be  kept  by  the  secretary,  and  when  the 
record   has   been   approved  by  the   conference,   it 


102  TRIAL  OF  A   BISHOP. 

shall  be  signed  by  the  president  and  the  secretary, 
and  transmitted  to  the  secretary  of  the  preceding 
General  Conference,  to  be  preservec  among  the 
papers  of  said  conference,  and  to  be  used  by  it  in 
case  of  an  appeal.  A  certified  copy  of  such  rec- 
ord shall  be  furnished  the  defendant,  if  he  de- 
mands it. 

H  150.  In  case  there  are  rumors  of  immoral  or 
un-christian  conduct  concerning  a  Bishop,  and  no 
one  appears  who  is  willing  to  formulate  and  pros- 
ecute charges,  the  Presiding  Elder  of  the  district 
on  which,  or  of  the  one  nearest  to  which,  the  of- 
fense is  alleged  to  have  been  committed,  shall 
take  with  him  three  or  four  of  the  Elders  of  his 
district  and  make  careful  and  thorough  inquiry 
into  the  matter,  and  if  they  find  the  rumors  well 
founded,  they,  or  a  majority  of  them,  shall  formu- 
late and  prefer  charges  against  him  to  the  Pre- 
siding Elder  of  an  adjacent  district,  who  shall 
then  proceed  as  provided  for  in  ij  t47- 

If  151.  A  Bishop  shall  have  the  right  of  appeal 
to  the  next  General  Conference,  if  he  signify  his 
intention  to  appeal  within  thirty  days  after  his 
conviction,  and  shall  notify  the  president  of  the 
Judicial  Conference  to  that  effect.  In  case  of  an 
appeal,  only  the  record  of  the  trial  and  the  evi- 
dence submitted,  shall  be  used  in  the  hearing  of 
the  same. 


COURT   OK   APPEALS.  103 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Court  of  Appeals. 

H  J 52.  The  several  Annual  Conferences  shall 
elect,  quadrennially,  at  the  first  session  succeeding 
the  General  Conference,  from  the  Elders,  five 
men,  who  shall  be  known  as  Triers  of  Appeals. 
In  case  of  a  vacancy  occurring  during  the  year, 
the  remaining  Triers  shall  fill  the  vacancy  until 
the  next  session  of  the  Annual  Conference. 

11  ^53-  Whenever  an  appeal  is  taken  from  the 
decision  of  an  Annual  Conference,  the  president 
of  the  conference  shall  call  together  the  Triers  of 
Appeals  from  three  neighboring  conferences,  at 
such  time  and  place  as  he  may,  with  due  regard 
to  the  wishes  of  the  appellant,  designate.  These 
persons,  when  so  convened,  shall  constitute  a 
Court  of  Appeals,  which  shall  have  power  to  af- 
firm or  reverse  the  verdict  and  sentence  of  an  An- 
nual Conference.  In  case  of  irregularities  suflTi- 
cient  to  vitiate  the  proceedings  of  a  Trial  Court, 
or  an  Annual  Conference,  the  court  shall  have 
power  to  remand  the  case  for  retrial  by  the  body 
in  which  the  irregularities  occurred.  Its  findings 
in  all  cases  shall  be  final.  The  president  of  the 
conference  shall  give  due  notice  to  all  concerned 
of  the  time  and  place  of  meeting.  The  Court  of 
Appeals  shall  not  be  convened  oftener  than  once 
a  year  to  try  appeals  from  the  same  Annual  Con- 
ference. 

^  154.  This   court   shall  organize  by   electing  a 


104  JURISDICTION   AND  EVIDENCE. 

president  and  a  secretary  from  among  its  own 
members.  The  president  shall  see  that  the  pro- 
ceedings are  conducted  in  an  orderly  and  judicial 
manner,  and  the  secretary  shall  make  an  accurate 
record  of  all  the  proceedings,  and  shall,  at  the 
close  of  the  trial,  transmit  the  same  to  the  secre- 
tary of  the  conference  from  which  the  appeal  was 
taken,  to  be  preserved  by  him  among  the  records 
and  documents  of  said  conference. 

^  155.  The  appellant  shall  have  the  right  of 
peremptory  challenge,  yet  not  so  that  the  number 
shall  fall  below^  nine,  which  number  shall  be  re- 
quired to  make  a  quorum. 

tl  156.  The  expenses  of  the  Court  of  Appeals 
shall  be  paid  by  the  Annual  Conferences  to  which 
the  Triers  of  Appeals  belong. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Jurisdiction  and  Evidence. 

^  157.  Whenever  a  Trial  Court  is  convened  to 
hear  a  case,  the  chairman  of  said  court  shall  de- 
cide all  questions  of  jurisdiction.  Should  there 
be  a  difference  of  opinion  on  any  question  of  juris- 
diction in  the  case,  the  matter  shall  be  decided  by 
a  majority  of  the  court.  Before  proceeding  to  the 
hearing  of  evidence  in  a  case,  the  Trial  Court 
shall  carefully  examine  the  charge  or  charges 
with  the  specifications,  and  if  they  are  not  in  ac- 


JURISDICTION  AND  EVIDKNCK.  105 

cordance  with  the  requirements  of  our  Discipline, 
they  shall  refuse  to  proceed  with  the  trial,  except 
the  accuser  shall  reduce  them  to  such  conformity. 

Charges. 
ti  158.  All  charges  against  ministers  or  lay 
members  in  our  church  shall  be  in  writing,  the 
heading  of  which  shall  not  exceed  in  evil  import 
the  thing  or  things  charged,  and  such  accusation 
shall  be  clearly  and  definitely  stated,  associated 
immediately  with  the  specifications  to  be  alleged 
in  proof,  so  that  the  accused  may  be  able  to  pre- 
pare his  defense.  An  exact  copy  of  the  charges 
shall  be  given  to  the  accused,  or  left  at  his  resi- 
dence by  the  accuser  in  time  to  prepare  for  the 
trial,  or  not  less  than  fourteen  days  in  advance 
of  the  time  appointed.  In  all  cases  of  charges 
whether  against  ministers  or  members,  the  plain- 
tiff must  be  a  member  in  full  and  regular  stand- 
ing of  our  church. 

Withdraival  Under  Charges. 

^  159.  No  member  or  minister  of  our  church 
has  the  right  to  withdraw  from  the  church  while 
legally  under  charges.  Should  any  one  assume  to 
do  so,  the  church  has  the  right  to  properly  inves- 
tigate the  charges  and  pass  judgment  in  the  case. 
If,  however,  all  the  parties  concerned  are  agreed, 
an  accused  person  may  for  prudential  reasons  be 
permitted  to  withdraw.  Provided,  That  in  case 
of  a  minister,  all  papers  which  he  holds  from  the 
church  be   surrendered. 


"><•  JURISDICTION  AND  EVIDENCE. 

Evidence   Admissible   at    Trials. 

tl  i6o.  In  all  cases  of  trials  of  members  or  min- 
isters, persons  of  good  report  non-members  as 
well  as  members  of  our  church,  may  appear  as 
witnesses ;  and  the  testimony  of  absent  witnesses, 
when  taken  before  a  committee  of  not  less  than 
two  members  of  the  church  and  presented  at  the 
trial,  shall  be  admitted,  provided  in  every  case 
sufficient  notice  had  been  given  to  the  adverse 
party  of  the  time  and  place  of  taking  such  testi- 
mony, to  have  enabled  him  to  provide  for  cross- 
examination  if  he  desired  to  do  so.  No  hearsay 
testimony  shall  be  admitted.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  members  of  the  church  to  testify  in  matters  of 
which  they  have  certain  knowledge,  when  duly 
notified  by  the  accuser  or  the  accused  of  the  time 
and  place  of  a  pending  investigation,  or  show  just 
cause  for  refusing  to  do  so ;  otherwise  it  shall  be 
-regarded  as  a  violation  of  the  order  and  discipline 
of  the  church,  and  may  be  dealt  with  accordingly. 

^  i6i.  In  all  cases  of  an  appeal,  whether  of  min- 
isters or  lay  members,  only  the  records  of  the  trial 
below,  together  with  the  papers  and  documents 
there  submitted,  shall  be  used  in  evidence. 


PART  V. 
THE  RITUAL. 


I,  Baptism. 
II.  The  Lord's  Supper. 

III.  Matrimoisv. 

IV.  BuRiAi.  Services. 

V.  Ordination. 

VI.  Cornerstone    Laying   and    Dedica- 
tion. 


CHAPTER  I. 
Forms  for  the  Administration  of  Baptism. 

^  162.     Baptism  of  Infants . 

Dearly  Beloved  :  In  presenting  this  child  for 
baptism,  you  not  only  signify  your  faith  in  the 
Christian  religion,  which  teaches  the  indispensa- 
ble necessity  of  the  new  birth,  of  which  holy  bap- 
tism is  a  sacramental  representation,  but  you  also 

express  your  earnest  desire  that 

may  in  early  life  be  consecrated  to  God  and  His 

service,  and  that may  continue  faithful 

until  death  and  attain  the  life  everlasting. 

In  order  to  accomplish  this,  it  will  be  your  duty 

as  parents  (or  guardians)  to  teach early 

the  fear  of  the  Lord  :  to  watch  over 

education  that be  not  led  astray  ;  to 

direct youthful  mind  to  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, and feet  to  the  house  of  God  ;  to 

restrain from  evil  associates  and  habits; 

and  as  much  as  in  you  lies,  to  bring 

up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Ques.  Will  you  endeavor  so  to  do,  by  the  help  of 
God? 

Ans.  I  will. 

109 


no  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

Prayer. 
Eternal  God,  our  Creator  and  Redeemer,  we 
solemnly  present  this  child  to  Thee  through  the  or- 
dinance of  Christian  baptism,  pleading  the  atoning 
sufferingof  Thine  onh- begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ, 
by  Whom  the  curse  of  the  transgression  of  our  first 
parents  has  been  removed,  and  thus  all  infants 
made  heirs  of  the  kingdom  of  God  ;  and  by  Whom 
the  element  of  water  has  been  sanctified  for  this 
holy  purpose  in  His  own  baptism  ;  by  Whom  also 
the  commandment  was  given  to  His  disciples  to  go 
and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Regard  mercifully,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
God,  our  earnest  supplication,  and  bless  both  these 
parents,  (or  guardians),  and  this  child.  Give  the 
parents,  (or  guardians),  wisdom  and  grace  to  teach 
hhn  (her)  early,  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  May  they 
first  seek  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  for  them- 
selves, so  to  walk  before  Thee  that  by  example,  as 
well  as  precept,  they  may  point  him  (her)  to  the 
life  spiritual  and  eternal.  And  grant  unto  this 
child,  now  to  be  baptized.  Thy  grace  as  we  present 
him  (her)  to  Thee  in  prayer.  Grant  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  may  guide  him  (her)  so  that  he  (she)  may 
follow  the  path  of  truth  and  holiness,  and  may  in 
the  future  show  himself  iy:^^xs,^\i)  an  obedient  child, 
firm  in  the  faith,  joyful  in  hope  and  grounded  in 
love  ;  that,  dying  to  self,  Christ  may  live  and 
reign  within,  giving  him  (her)  complete  victory 
over  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  O  Thou 
ever  blessed  God,  give  this  child  the  fullness  of  Thy 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM.  HI 

grace,  that  he  (she)  may  lead  a  useful  and  happy 
life  here,  and  finally  live  and  reign  forever  with 
Thee  in  Thy  glorious  kingdom,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Scripture  reading,  Mark  \o  :  13-16. 

"And  they  brought  young  children  to  Him,  that 
He  should  touch  them.  And  His  disciples  rebuked 
those  that  brought  them  ;  but  when  Jesus  saw  it. 
He  was  much  displeased  and  said  unto  them.  Suf- 
fer the  little  children  to  come  unto  Me,  and  forbid 
them  not  ;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 
Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  shall  not  receive 
the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not 
enter  therein.  And  He  took  them  up  in  His  arms, 
put  His  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them." — 
Our  Father,  &c. 
[  The  parents  or  guardians  shall  then  name  the 

child.      When  baptizing  the  child  the  minister 

shall  say:  ] 

A.  B. — I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

Benediction. 

\  163.     Baptism  oj  Adults. 

Dearly  Beloved  :  Our  Lord  commanded  His 
Apostles,  saying  :  "  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

On  the  day  of  Pentecost  Peter  said  to  the  multi- 
tude anxiously  inquiring  for  salvation  :  "  Repent 
and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you,  in  the  name  of 


n:  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

Jesus  Christ,  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye 
shall  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit." 

Philip,  the  evangelist,  went  down  to  the  city  of 
Samaria  and  preached  Christ  to  the  people.  And 
"when  they  believed  Philip  preaching  the  things 
concerning  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ,  they  were  baptized,  both  men  and 
women." 

We  trust  that  it  has  pleased  God,  in  His  infinite 
mercy,  to  awaken  you  to  a  sense  of  j'our  guilt  and 
danger,  and  to  lead  you  to  repentance  and  faith  in 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  By  presenting  yourself  for 
this  holy  sacrament,  you  declare  your  purpose  to 
live  the  new  life,  and  to  seek  the  inheritance  of  the 
saints  in  light. 

Prayer. 

Eternal  God,  our  gracious  Heavenly  Father,  the 
helper  of  all  who  flee  to  Thee  in  time  of  need, 
the  life  of  all  who  put  their  trust  in  Thee,  and  the 
resurrection  of  the  dead,  Thou  hast  encouraged  us 
through  the  promise  of  Thy  well-beloved  Son, 
Jesus  Christ,  to  expect  great  help  from  Thee,  for 
He  said  :  "Ask,  and  ye  shall  receive  ;  seek,  and  j-e 
shall  find  ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you." 
Answer  now,  O  Lord,  our  earnest  petition  offered 
in  behalf  of  this  person  (these  persons)  now  to  be 
consecrated  to  Thy  service  by  the  solemn  rite  of 
baptism.  As  w^e  apply  the  symbolic  water,  an  em- 
blem of  the  heavenly  washing,  apply  Thou,  O 
Lord,  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  purify  and  sanctify  him 
(her)  for  holy  service  in  Thy  Kingdom.   Strengthen 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM.  m 

within  hi>n  (her)  the  new  life  of  faith,  so  that  Adr 
(she)  may  be  enabled  to  overcome  the  world,  the 
flesh,  and  the  devil  ;  that  all  carnal  affections  and 
lusts  may  be  crucified  in  hirn  (her  i,  and  that  the 
new  man  may  be  raised  up  into  spiritual  power  and 
usefulness.  Regard,  we  beseech  Thee,  our  sup- 
plications in  mercy,  and  grant  that  the  person 
(these  persons)  now  to  be  baptized,  ma}'  receive  the 
fullness  of  Thy  grace,  and  may  he  (she)  ever  remain 
in  the  number  of  Thy  faithful  and  elect  children, 
and  finally  inherit  everlasting  life.     Amen. 

[  Then  shall  the  minister  put  the  following  ques- 
tions to  each  of  the  persons  to  be  baptized. '\ 

Ques.  Dost  thou  believe  in  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty, Maker  of  Heaven  and  earth,  and  in  Jesus 
Christ,  His  only  begotten  Son,  our  Lord  ;  that  He 
was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost  ;  born  of  the 
Virgin  Mary  ;  that  He  suffered  under  Pontius  Pi- 
late, was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried  ;  that  He  de- 
scended into  Hades  ;  that  the  third  day  He  rose 
from  the  dead  ;  that  He  ascended  into  heaven,  and 
sittethat  the  right  hand  of  God,  ihe  Father  Al- 
mighty, and  from  thence  shall  come  again  to  judge 
the  quick  and  the  dead? 

And  dost  thou  believe  in  the  Holy  Spirit,  the 
Holy  General  Church?  the  communion  of  saints? 
the  remission  of  sins  ?  the  resurrection  of  the  body, 
and  the  life  everlasting  ? 

If  so,  answer ;  yes,  I  do  believe  it. 

If  thou  wilt  be  baptized  in  this  faith,  answer ; 
yes,  I  will. 


114     ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

Ques.  Dost  thou  renounce  the  devil  and  all  his 
works,  the  vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  with 
all  covetous  desires,  so  that  thou  wilt  not  follow 
them,  nor  be  led  by  the  carnal  desires  of  the  flesh? 

If  so,  answer  ;  yes,  I  renounce  them  all. 

Ques.  Wilt  thou  then  obediently  keep  God's 
holy  will  and  commandments,  and  walk  in  the 
same  all  the  days  of  thy  life  ? 

If  so,  answer  ;  yes,  by  the  help  of  God. 

[  Then  shall  the  mitiister  ask  the  fianie  of  the  ap- 
plicant and  sprinkle  or  pour  water  upon  him, 
or,  if  he  should  desire  it,  immerse  him  in 
water,  saying:'] 

A.  B. — I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son.  and  of  the  Holv  Ghost.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Adminis 
Supper. 

The  administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  shall 
be  introduced  by  an  appropriate  sermon  or  address 
bearing  on  self-examination,  and  the  reading  of  I. 
Cor.  II  ;  23-39,  Luke  32  :  14-20,  or  some  other  ap- 
propriate passage  of  Scripture. 

[  The7i  shall  the  minister,  for  himself  and  for  the 
congregation,  all  humbly  kneeling,  fnake  a  con- 
fession and  pray  either  extemporaneously  or 
after  the  following  manner:] 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER,    ns 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father  ;  we  have 
erred,  and  strayed  from  Thy  ways  like  lost  sheep. 
We  have  followed  too  much  the  devices  and  desires 
of  our  own  hearts.  We  have  offended  against  Thy 
holy  laws.  We  have  left  undone  those  things 
which  we  ought  to  have  done,  and  have  done  those 
things  which  we  ought  not  to  have  done.  We  do 
earnestly  repent,  and  are  heartily  sorry  for  these 
our  misdoings  ;  the  remembrance  of  them  is  griev- 
ous to  us.  Have  mercy  upon  us,  have  mercy  upon 
us,  most  merciful  Father.  Spare  Thou  those,  O 
God,  who  confess  their  faults.  Restore  Thou  those 
who  are  penitent,  according  to  Thy  promises  de- 
clared unto  mankind  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 
Forgive  us  all  that  is  past,  and  grant,  O  merciful 
Father,  for  Christ's  sake,  that  we  may  ever  here- 
after serve  and  please  Thee  in  newness  of  life,  to 
the  honor  and  glory  of  Thy  Holy  Name.  Almighty 
God,  unto  Whom  all  hearLs  are  open,  all  desires 
known,  andfrom  Whom  no  secrets  are  hid  ;  cleanse 
the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the  inspiration  of  Thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  perfectly  love  Thee,  and 
worthily  magnify  Thy  Holy  Name  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly 
Father,  Thou,  of  Thy  tender  mercy,  didst  give 
Thine  only  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  to  suffer  death  upon 
the  cross  for  our  redemption,  and  He  there,  by  the 
oblation  of  Himself,  once  offered,  made  a  full,  per- 
fect, and  sufficient  sacrifice,  and  satisfaction  for  the 
sms  of  the  world  ;  and  instituted,  and  in  His  gos- 
pel commanded  us  to  continue,  a  memorial  of  His 
precious  death  until  His  coming  again.    This  holy 


116     ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPEK. 

sacrament  we  now  intend  to  celebrate.  We  do 
not  presume  to  come  to  this  Thy  table,  O  merciful 
Lord,  trusting  in  our  own  righteousness,  but  in 
Thy  great  and  manifold  mercies.  We  are  not  worthy 
so  much  as  to  gather  up  the  crumbs  under  'I'hy 
table  But  Thou,  the  unchangeable  God,  art  al- 
ways merciful.  We  adore  the  riches  of  Thy  mercy 
in  our  redemption.  Grant,  Gracious  Father,  that 
we  may  receive  this  holy  sacrament  with  devout, 
believing,  and  grateful  heartsand  that  we  may  feel 
the  power  of  our  Lord's  redemption  as  we  receive 
the  bread  and  the  fruit  of  the  vine  in  the  memory 
of  His  passion.  May  the  Hoh'  Spirit  take  of  the 
things  of  Christ  and  show  them  to  us,  giving  us  a 
deeper  insight  into  redeeming  love.  While  we  re- 
member Christ,  may  we  hate  sin,  and  renew  our 
purpose  to  live  for  Him  alone  Who  has  bought  us 
with  His  blood.  Let  the  death  of  Christ  be  ever 
before  us,  ministering  peace  and  joy  to  our  souls, 
and  quickening  us  to  a  holy  and  ever  abiding  reso- 
lution to  serve  onlv  Thee  through  Him. 


The  Lord's  Prayer. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed  be 
Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done 
in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  for- 
give our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into  tempta- 
tion, but  deliver  us  from  evil.  For  Thine  is  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever. 
Amen, 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER,    li: 

[Then  shall  the  minister  receive  the  communion^ 
and  after  this  he  shall  proceed  to  admifiisterthe 
same  to  the  people  ift  order,  kneeling.  When  he 
places  the  bread  into  the  hands  of  the  communi- 
cants he  shall  say  . •'I 

The  body  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  was  given  lor 
thee.  Take  and  eat  this  in  remembrance  that 
Christ  died  for  thee,  and  feed  on  Him  in  thy  heart 
by  faith  with  thanksgiving. 

[  When  delivering  the  cup  to  the  communicants, 
the  tninister  shall  say :  ] 

Drink  this  in  remembrance  that  the  blood  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  was  shed  for  thee,  for  the  wash- 
ing away  of  all  thy  sins  and  the  sanctification  of 
thy  soul.     Partake  of  it  by  faith  and  be  thankful. 

[While  the  communicants  are  gathering  about 
the  altar,  an  appropriate  hymn  maj-  be  sung.  The 
communion  service  should  be  ended  with  an  ex- 
tempore prayer  of  thanksgiving.] 

Benediction. 

Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from 
the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of 
the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting 
covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to 
do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well- 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ  ;  to 
whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  A^nen.  (Heb. 
n  :  20.  21.) 


118  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MATRIMONY. 

CHAPTER  III. 

\\  165.  Form  for  the  Solemnization  of  Matrimony. 

[At  the  day  and  the  time  appointed  for  the  sol- 
emnization of  matrimony,  the  persons  to  be  mar- 
ried, after  having  been  legally  qualified,  shall  stand 
together,  the  man  on  the  right  hand  and  the 
woman  on  the  left,  and  the  minister  shall  say.] 
.  "There  was  a  marriage  in  Cana  of  Galilee  ;  and 
the  mother  of  Jesus  was  there  ;  and  Jesus  also  was 
bidden,  and  His  disciples,  to  the  marriage." 

Dearly  Beloved  :  We  are  assembled  in  the  pres- 
ence of  God  as  witnesses  to  unite  this  man  and 
this  woman  in  holy  matrimony.  This  state  is 
commended  by  the  Apostle  as  being  honorable 
among  all  men.  It  is  not  to  be  entered  unadvis- 
edly, but  discreetly,  reverently,  and  in  the  fear  of 
God. 

The  Scriptures  teach  that  this  state  was  insti- 
tuted b}^  God ;  that  according  to  His  ordinance, 
husband  and  wife  should  te  one  in  the  Lord.  Per- 
sons purposing  to  enter  this  state,  should  be  joined 
in  the  bonds  of  a  pure  affection,  whereby  a  mutual 
devotion,  respect,  and  helpfulness  are  insured. 
They  should  aspire  to  perfect  peace  and  joy  in  their 
wedded  life,  and,  in  all  their  relations,  honor  God. 

Into  this  holy  state  these  two  persons  now  purpose 
to  enter.  Therefore  if  any  can  show  just  cause  why 
they  may  not  lawfully  do  so,  let  him  now  speak,  or 
else  hereafter  forever  hold  his  peace. 
[Addressing  the  persons  about  to  be  married,  the 
mifiister  shall  say;"] 


SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MATRIMONY.  il'> 

I  require  and  charge  you  both  that,  if  either  of 
you  know  of  any  impediment  why  you  may  not  be 
lawfully  joined  in  matrimony,  you  do  now  con- 
fess it. 

[  Then   shall  the   minister  addressing-  the   nia?i 
say:"] 

Wilt  thou,  [N.  N.]  in  the  sight  of  God  and  in  the 
presence  of  these  witnesses,  take  [N.  N.]  to  be  thy 
wedded  wife,  to  live  together  after  God's  ordinance 
in  the  holy  state  of  matrimony  ?  Wilt  thou  love, 
honor,  and  cherish  her,  in  sickness  and  in  health, 
in  prosperity,  and  in  adversity,  and,  forsaking  all 
others,  cleave  only  unto  her,  so  long  as  you  both 
shall  live?     If  so,  answer  "  I  will." 

l^Then  shall  the  minister^  addressing  the  woman 
say :  ] 

Wilt  thou,  [N.  N  ]  in  the  sight  of  God  and  in  the 
presence  of  these  witnesses,  take  [N.  N.]  to  be  thy 
wedded  husband,  to  live  together  after  God's  ordi- 
nance in  the  holy  state  of  matrimonj^  ?  Wilt  thou 
love,  honor,  and  cherish  him,  in  sickness  and  in 
health,  in  prosperity  and  adversity,  and,  forsakifij^ 
all  others,  cleave  only  unto  him  so  long  as  you 
both  shall  live?    If  so,  answer,  "  I  will." 

[//"  a  ring  be  used,  the  minister  shall  say  to  the 
man,  immediately  after  the  7Voman  has  an- 
swered "  /  will  :'^] 

What  token  do  you  give  of  your  sincerity? 


120  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MATRIMONY. 

[The  minister  shall,  as  a  response,  receive  the 
ring  from  the  man's  hand,  and  shall  say  to  the 
wofnan,  at  the  same  time  giving  to  her  the 
ring :  ] 

Do  you  in  evidence  of  your  sincerity,  accept  this 
ring? 

[  Thefi  the  man,  taking  the  ring  from  the  woman''  s 
right  hand,  shall  place  if  upon  the  third  finger 
of  her  left  hand,  and  repeating  after  the  7ninis- 
ter,  say :  ] 

[With  tliis  ring  I  thee  wed,  and  with  my  heart's 
afiFections,  and  with  my  worldly  goods  I  thee  en- 
dow, in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

[Then  shall  the  minister  join  their  right  hands, 
and,  placing  his  right  hand  on  the  joined  hands 
of  the  couple,  say  .*] 

Inasmuch  then  as  3'ou,  [N.  N.]  and  [N.  N.]  have 
thus  covenanted  together  in  hoi}'  wedlock,  I  do,  ac- 
cording to  the  ordinance  of  God  and  the  laws  of 
this  Commonwealth,  pronounce  you  husband  and 
wife  together,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Those  whom 
God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder. 
Am,en. 

[Then    shall    the    minister    offer  the  following 
prayer :  ] 

O  eternal  God,  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  man- 
kind. Giver  of  all  spiritual  grace,  the   Author  of 


BURIAL  SERVICES.  121 

everlasting  life  ;  send  Thy  blessing  upon  these  Thy 
servants,  this  man  and  this  woman,  whom  we  bless 
in  Thy  name  ;  may  they  live  faithfully  together, 
sincerely  perform  and  keep  the  vow  and  covenant 
between  them  made,  and  may  they  ever  remain 
in  perfect  love  and  peace  together,  and  live  accord- 
ing to  Thy  laws,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

[  Then  the  minister  shall  pronounce ,  in   coticlu- 
sion,  the  following  benediction  :  ] 

God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy 
Spirit,  bless,  preserve,  and  keep  you.  The  Lord 
mercifully  look  upon  30U  with  his  favor,  and  fill 
you  with  the  riches  of  His  grace  ;  that  in  this  life 
ye  may  so  live  together  that  in  the  world  to  come 
ye  may  enjoy  life  everlasting.     Atnen, 


CHAPTER  IV. 

*   166.    rorm  for  Burial  Seryices. 

\At  the  house  the  minister  shall  say  .•] 
Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman, 
Is  of  few  days  and  full  of  trouble. 
He  Cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down  ; 
He  fleeth  also  like  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not. 

(Job  14:  I,  2.) 
There  is  but  a  step  between  me  and  death.     (I. 

Sam.  20  :  3.) 
Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end, 
.\nd  the  measure  of  my  days,  what  it  is ;  that  I 

may  know  h:ow  frail  I  am.     (Psalm  39  : 4  ) 


122  BURIAL  SERVICES. 

Wherefore,  as  by   one  man  sin   entered  into  the 

world,  and  death  by  sin  ;  and  so  death  passed 

upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned.    (Rom. 

5:12  ) 

But  I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  brethren . 

concerning  them  which  are  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow 

not,  even  as  others  which  have  no  hope.    For  if  we 

believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so 

them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with 

Him.     (I.  Thess.  4:  13,  14. ) 

[After  this  a  short  prayer  may  be  offered,  a  suit- 
able hymn  be  sung,  and  an  appropriate  sermon  be 
preached  before  repairing  to  the  grave.] 

\_After  the   coffin  is  lowered  into   the  grave,  the 
minister  shall  say  .•] 

I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life  :  he  that  be- 
lie veth  in  Me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he 
live  :  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  Me 
shall  never  die.     (  John  11  :  25,  26.) 

And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  unto 
me.  Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the 
Lord  from  henceforth  ;  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that 
they  may  rest  from  their  labors ;  and  their  works 
do  follow  them.      (Rev.  14  :  13.) 

Forasmuch  as  it  has  pleased  God,  in  Whose 
power  are  life  and  death,  to  remove  from  time  to 
eternity  the  soul  of  the  departed,  we  commit  his 
(or  her)  body  to  the  ground,  earth  to  earth,  ashes 
to  ashes,  dust  to  dust.  But  we  look  for  the  general 
resurrection  at  the  last  day  and  for  a  blessed  im- 
mortality in  the  world  to  come,   through   Jesus 


BURIAL  SERVICES.  12J 

Christ  our  Lord,  who  will  appear  in  majesty  and  in 
power  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead,  when  the 
earth  and  the  sea  shall  give  up  their  dead  and  the 
corruptible  bodies  of  those  who  are  asleep  in  Him 
shall  be  awakened  and  fashioned  like  unto  His  own 
glorious  body  ;  according  to  the  mighty  working 
whereby  He  is  able  to  subdue  all  things  unto  Him- 
self. 

[Then    the    Lord's   prayer   may  be   repeated  or 
emitted,  as  may  be  deemed  best.] 

Befiedidiofi. 
The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love 
of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  be 
with  you  all.     Amen. 

Selectiofis  of  Scripture  appropriate  for  reading 
in  church  on  funeral  occasions. 
The  sojourner's  prayer  :  Psalm  39  :  4-13.  Num- 
bering our  days:  Psalm  90:1-15.  All  flesh  is 
grass  :  Isaiah  40  :  6-10.  The  house  of  mourning  : 
Ecclesiastes  7:1-4,  Sorrowing  for  a  child:  II. 
Sam.  12  :  15-23.  Jesus  blessing  little  children  : 
Mark  10:  13-16.  Weeping  for  children  :  Jeremiah 
31  :  J5-17.  Childlikeness  :  Matt.  18:1-6.  Jairns' 
daughter  restored  to  life  :  Mark  5  :  22-24,  35-43- 
The  widow's  son  raised  from  death  :  Lul;e  7  :  11-16. 
The  Fatherhood  of  God  :  Psalm  103  :  1-22.  The 
Lord's  mercies  :  Lamentations  3:22-33.  Strength 
in  God  :  Isaiah  40:  25-31.  The  Father's  House  of 
many  mansions  :  John  14  : 1-6.  The  shortness  of 
time,  and  how  to  use  the  world  :  I.  Cor.  7  :  29-31. 
Consolation  with  regard  to  those  who  die  in  the 


124  OKDINATION. 

Lord:  I.  Thess.  5:1-11.  Certainty  of  the  resur- 
rection :  I.  Cor.  15  :  20-28.  The  resurrection  body: 
I.  Cor.  15  :  35-49-  At  home  with  the  Lord  :  II.  Cor. 
5:1-10.  Admonition  to  watchfulness:  Mark  13: 
32-37.  Admonition  to  faithfulness:  Luke  12:35- 
48.  Youth  or  age:  Eccles.  12:1-8.  Resignation 
in  bereavement  :  Job  i :  20-22. 


CHAPTER  V. 
Ordination. 

'    167.     Form  for  Ordaining  Deacons. 
[The  time  appointed  for  the  ordination  of  Dea- 
cons having  come,  there  shall  be  a  sermon  or  ex- 
hortation, setting  forth  the  office  and  duty  of  such 
as  are  admitted  to  the  Order  of  Deacons.] 
[^  After  which  one  of  the  elders  present^  shall  pre- 
sent unto  the  Bishop  {or  in   the  absence  of  a 
Bishop,    to   the   President    of  co7iference)    the 
persons    to    be    ordained    Deacons,    and  their 
names  being  read  aloud,  the  Bishop  shall  say 
unto  the  congregation  .•] 

Brethren,  If  there  be  any  of  you  who  knoweth 
of  any  crime  or  impediment  in  any  of  these  per 
sons  present,  to  be  ordained  Deacons,  for  the 
which  he  ought  not  to  be  admitted  to  such  office, 
let  him  come  forth  in  the  name  of  God,  and  show 
what  such  crime  or  impediment  is. 

[If  any  crime  or  impediment  be  charged,  the 
person  concerned  shall  not  be  ordained  until  such 
charge  shall  have  been  removed.] 


ORDINATION.  125 

[  Then  shall  the  following  prayer  be  offered  :  ] 

Almighty  God,  who,  by  Thy  Divine  wisdom  and 
providence  hast  appointed  divers  orders  of  minis- 
ters in  Thy  church,  and  didst  by  Thy  inspiration 
move  the  apostles  to  choose  into  the  order  of 
Deacons  men  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
of  whom  Stephen  became  the  first  martyr  ;  gra- 
ciously behold  these  Thy  servants,  now  called  to 
the  like  office  and  service ;  impart  unto  them 
richly  those  spiritual  gifts  in  the  clear  discernment 
and  presentation  of  the  Gospel  message  committed 
to  them,  that  none  may  be  able  to  resist  the  wis- 
dom and  the  spirit  with  which  they  speak  ;  and 
that  many,  pricked  in  their  hearts,  may  inquire 
what  they  must  do  to  be  saved.  And  we  beseech 
Thee,  to  adorn  them  with  innocency  of  life,  that  in 
their  walk  before  the  people,  they  niay  present  an 
example  unblamable  and  unreproveable  ;  so  that 
both  by  word  and  deed  they. may  faithfully  serve 
in  the  office  of  Deacon,  to  the  glory  of  Thy  name 
and  the  edification  of  the  church,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

[  The  following  Scripture  shall  then  be  read  .•] 
I.  Timothy  3;  8- 13. 

Likewise  must  the  Deacons  be  grave,  not  double- 
tongued,  not  given  to  much  wine,  not  greedy  of 
filthy  lucre ;  holding  the  mystery  of  the  faith  in 
a  pure  conscience.  And  let  these  also  first  be 
proved  ;  then  let  them  use  the  office  of  a  Deacon, 
being  found  blameless.     Even  so  must  their  wives 


126  ORDINATION. 

be  grave,  not  slanderers,  sober,  faithf'il  in  all 
things.  Let  the  Deacons  be  the  husbands  of  one 
wife,  ruling  their  children  and  their  own  houses 
well.  For  they  that  have  used  the  office  of  a 
Deacon  well,  purchase  to  themselves  a  good  de- 
gree, and  great  boldness  in  the  faith  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus. 

[  Theyi  shall  the  Bishops  or  the  President,  in  the 
presence  of  the  people ^  examine  every  one  of 
those  who  are  to  be  ordained,  in  the  manner 
following  :  ] 

Have  you  the  confidence  that  you  are  inwardly 
moved  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  take  upon  you  the 
office  of  the  ministry  in  the  church  of  Christ,  to 
serve  God  for  the  furtherance  of  His  kingdom  and 
glory  among  men,  and  the  edification  of  His  peo- 
ple ? 

Ans.  Yes  ;  I  have  this  confidence. 

Question.  Do  you"  unfeignedly  believe  all  the 
canonical  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  the  New  Testa- 
ments? 

Ans.  Yes  ;  I  do  believe  them. 

Question.  Will  you  diligently  search  and  ex- 
pound them  unto  the  people  whom  you  shall  be  ap- 
pointed to  serve  ? 

Ans.  I  will  do  so  by  the  grace  of  God. 

Question.  It  pertaineth  to  the  office  of  a  Deacon 
to  assist  the  Elder  in  Divine  service;  and  especially, 
when  he  ministereth  the  Holy  Communion,  to 
help  him  in  the  distribution  thereof  ;  to  read  and 
expound    the    Holy    Scriptures,  to    instruct    the 


ORDINATION.  127 

youth,  and  to  baptize.  And  especially  is  it  his 
office  to  search  for  the  sick,  the  poor,  the  afflicted, 
that  they  may  be  visited  and  relieved.  Will  you 
do  this  with  a  read}-  heart  and  a  willing  mind  ? 

--/;/5.   I  will  do  so  by  the  help  of  God. 

Question.  Will  you  give  all  diligence  to  fashion 
your  own  life  and  the  lives  of  your  family  accord- 
ing to  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  and  to  make  both 
yourself  and  them,  as  much  as  in  you  lieth,  whole- 
some examples  to  the  flock  of  Christ  ? 

Ans.  I  will  do  so,  the  Lord  being  my  helper. 

Question.  Will  you  give  earnest  heed  to  those 
to  whom  the  charge  and  supervision  over  you  is 
committed,  following  with  a  glad  and  willing 
mind  their  godly  counsels  and  admonitions? 

Ans.  I  will  endeavor  to  do  so,  the  Lord  being  my 
helper. 
[^Then  the  Bishops  or  the  President,  with  two  of 

the  Elders,  if  such  be  present,  laying  his  hands 

upon  the  head  of  each  catididate,  shall  say  .•] 

Take  thou  authority  to  execute  the  office  of  a 
Deacon  in  the  church  of  God ;  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 
[  Then  shall  the  Bishop,  or  the  President,  deliver, 
to  each  of  them  the  Holy  Bible,  saying- :] 

Take  thou  authority  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures 
in  the  Church  of  God,  and  to  preach  the  same 
unto  the  people. 

[  Then  shall  the  Bishop,  or  the  President,  or  one  of  the 
Elders  appointed  by  him,  read  the  Gospel.  ] 
^uke  12  :  35-38. 


J2«  ORDINATION. 

Let  }'our  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lights 
burning  ;  and  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that 
wait  for  their  Lord,  when  He  will  return  from  the 
wedding  ;  that,  when  He  cometh  and  knocketh, 
the}'  may  open  unto  Him  immediately.  Blessed  are 
those  servants,  whom  the  Lord,  when  He  cometh, 
shall  find  watching  :  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  He 
shall  gird  Himself,  and  make  them  to  sit  down  to 
meat,  and  will  come  forth  and  serve  them.  And 
if  He  shall  come  in  the  second  watch,  or  come  in 
the  third  watch,  and  find  them  so,  blessed  are  those 
servants. 

\_Then  shall  the  following  prayer  be  offered:^ 
Almighty  God,  giver  of  all  good,  who  hast  of 
Thine  own  goodness  vouchsafed  to  accept  and  take 
these  Thy  servants  into  the  office  of  Deacon  in  Thy 
church  :  make  them,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord,  to 
be  pure,  modest,  humble,  faithful  in  their  minis- 
trations, and  to  have  a  ready  will  to  observe  all 
spiritual  discipline  ;  that  they,  having  always  the 
testimony  of  a  good  conscience,  and  continuing  in 
the  love  of  Christ,  may  so  acquit  themselves  in  the 
office  of  Deacon,  as  to  be  esteemed  worthy  to  be 
called  in  due  course,  to  the  ministrations  of  the  of- 
fice of  Elder  in  the  church,  through  Je«us  Christ 
our  Lord.     Atnen. 

Beiiediction. 
'   The  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  unaerstand- 
ing.  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  in  the  knowledge 
and  love  of  God,  and  of  His  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord ;   and   the  blessing  of    God   Almighty,  the 


ORDINATION.  12<« 

Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  among 
you,  and  remain  with  you  always.     Atnen. 

[See  directions  for  course  of  procedure  in  ordain- 
ing Deacons  and  Elders  on  the  same  day  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  succeeding  form  of  ordination.] 

^  1 68.  Form  for  Ordaining  Elders. 
The  time  appointed  for  the  ordination  of  Elders 
having  come,  there  shall  be  a  sermon  or  exhorta- 
tion setting  forth  the  duty  and  office  of  such  as  are 
ordained  Elders  in  the  Church  of  Christ,  as  also 
how  the  church  ought  to  esteem  the  consecrated 
ministry. 

[^After  which,  one  of  the  Elders  present,  shall  present 
tin  to  the  Bishop,  or,  in  the  absence  of  a  Bishop,  unto 
the  President  o/  Conference,  the  persons  to  be  or- 
dained, and  say  .*] 

I  present  unto  you  these  persons  to  be  ordained 
as  Elders,  A.  B.,  C.  N. 

\_The  Bishop  shall  then  address   the  congregation,  say. 
ing:\ 

Brethern,  these  are  the  persons  whom  we  pur- 
pose, by  Divine  approval,  to  ordain  Elders.  For, 
after  due  examination,  we  find  nothing  contrary  to 
the  belief  that  they  are  divinely  called  to  this  func- 
tion and  ministry,  and  that  they  are  persons  meet 
for  the  same.  But,  if  there  be  any  one  of  you  who 
knowethany  crime  or  impediment  in  any  of  them, 
for  the  which  he  should  not  be  ordained,  let  him 
come  forth,  in  the  name  of  God,  and  show  whai 
such  crime  or  impediment  is. 


130  ORDINATION. 

Should  any  crime  or  impediment  be  charged,  the 
person  concerned  shall  not  be  ordained  until  such 
charge  shall  have  been  removed. 

[Then  shall  the  Bishop  pray,  as  follows  .•] 

Almighty  God,  giver  of  all  good  gifts,  who,  by 
Thy  Holy  Spirit,  has  appointed  divers  orders  of 
ministers  in  Thy  church,  mercifully  behold  these, 
Thy  servants,  now  called  to  the  ofiQceof  Elder,  and 
replenish  them  so  with  the  truth  of  Thy  doctrine, 
and  adorn  them  with  innocence  and  holiness  of 
life,  that  both  by  word  and  good  example  they  may 
faithfully  serve  in  this  office,  to  the  glory  of  Thy 
name  and  the  edification  of  Thy  church,  through 
the  merits  of  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  the  Head 
and  Glory  of  the  church,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

[  The  following  ScripUtre  shall  then  be  read:] 

Ephesians  4  :  7-13. 

Unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace  according  to 
the  measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ.  Wherefore  He 
saith.  When  He  ascended  up  on  high.  He  led  cap- 
tivity captive,  and  gave  gifts  unto  men.  Now  that 
He  ascended,  what  is  it  but  that  He  also  descended 
first  into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth  ?  He  that  de- 
scended is  the  same  also  that  ascended  up  far  above 
all  heavens,  that  He  might  fill  all  things.  And  He 
gave  some.  Apostles  ;  and  some,  Prophets ;  and 
some,  Evangelists  ;  and  some  Pastors  and  Teach- 
ers, for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  for  the   edifying   of   the   body  of 


ORDINATION.  l''! 

Christ ;  till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith, 
and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a 
perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the 
fulness  of  Christ. 

[  The  following  Gospel  shall  then  be  read:  ] 
St.  John  lo  :  1-16. 

Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  He  that  entereth 
not  by  the  door  into  the  sheephold,  but  climbeth 
up  some  other  way,  the  same  is  a  thief  and  a  rob- 
ber. But  he  that  entereth  in  by  the  door  is  the 
shepherd  of  the  sheep.  To  him  the  porter  open- 
eth ;  and  the  sheep  hear  his  voice :  and  he  calleth 
his  own  sheep  by  name,  and  leadeth  them  out. 
And  when  he  putteth  forth  his  own  sheep,  hegoeth 
before  them  and  the  sheep  follow  him  ;  for  they 
know  his  voice.  And  a  stranger  will  they  not  fol- 
low, but  will  flee  from  him  ;  for  they  know  not  the 
voice  of  strangers.  This  parable  spake  Jesus  unto 
them  ;  but  they  understood  not  what  things  they 
were  which  he  spake  unto  them.  Then  said  Jesus 
unto  them  again,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  I 
am  the  door  of  the  sheep.  All  that  ever  came  before 
me  are  thieves  and  robbers  ;  but  the  sheep  did  not 
hear  them.  I  am  the  door :  by  me  if  any  man  en- 
ter in,  he  shall  be  saved,  and  shall  go  in  and  out, 
and  find  pasture.  The  thief  cometh  not  but  for  to 
steal,  and  to  kill,  and  to  destroy  ;  I  am  come  that 
they  might  have  life,  and  that  they  might  have  it 
more  abundantly.  I  am  the  good  shepherd  :  the 
good  shepherd  giveth  his  life  for  the  sheep.  But 
he  that  is  an  hireling,  and  not  the  shepherd,  whose 


1?^  ORDINATION. 

own  the  sheep  are  not,  seeth  the  wolf  coming,  and 
lea  veth  the  sheep,  and  fleeth  ;  and  the  wolf  catcheth 
them,  and  scattereth  the  sheep.  The  hireling 
fleeth,  because  he  is  an  hireling,  and  carethnot  for 
the  sheep.  I  am  the  good  shepherd,  and  know  my 
sheep,  and  am  known  of  mine.  As  the  Father 
knoweth  me,  even  so  know  I  the  Father  :  and  I  lay 
down  my  life  for  the  sheep.  And  other  sheep  I 
have,  which  are  not  of  this  fold  :  them  also  I  must 
bring,  and  they  shall  hear  my  voice ;  and  there 
shall  be  one  fold  and  one  shepherd. 

[  Then  the  Bishop,  or  the  President,  of  the  conference 
shall  say  unto  the  persons  to  be  ordained  Elders.^ 

You  have  heard,  brethren,  in  your  private  exam- 
ination, and  in  the  holy  lessons  taken  out  of  the 
Gospel  and  the  writings  of  the  Apostles,  of  what 
dignity  and  importance  this  office  is  whereunto  ye 
are  called.  And  now  again  we  exhort  you,  in  the 
name  of  our  Ivord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  keep  in  re- 
membrance the  dignity  and  weight  of  your  calling; 
to  be  messengers,  watchmen  and  stewards  of  the 
L/Ord  ;  to  teach  and  admonish,  to  feed  and  provide 
for  the  Lord's  family  ;  to  gather  the  outcasts,  to 
seek  the  lost,  and  to  be  ever  ready  to  spread  abroad 
the  glad  tidings  of  reconciliation  with  God,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Have  always  in  remembrance,  therefore,  the 
greatness  of  the  treasure  committed  to  your 
charge.  They  are  the  souls  for  whom  Christ  shed 
His  bloed  and  gave  His  life.  The  church  which 
you  must  serve,  is  His  spouse  and  His  body.    And 


ORDINATION.  IM 

if  it  shall  happen  that  the  same  church,  or  any 
member  thereof,  take  any  hurt  or  hindrance  by 
reason  of  your  negligence,  ye  know  the  greatness 
of  the  fault,  and  also  the  fearful  punishment  that 
will  ensue.  Wherefore  consider  well  within  your- 
selves the  end  of  the  ministry  toward  the  children 
of  God,  toward  the  spouse  and  body  of  Christ ;  and 
see  that  you  never  cease  your  labor,  your  care  and 
diligence,  until  you  have  done  all  that  lieth  in  you, 
to  bring  such  as  are  or  shall  be  committed  to  your 
charge  unto  that  agreement  in  the  faith  and  knowl- 
edge of  God,  and  to  that  fruitfulness  and  perfect- 
ness  of  maturity  in  Christ,  that  Christ  to  them  may 
be  all  and  in  all. 

Forasmuch,  then,  as  your  ofl&ce  is  both  of  so 
great  excellency  and  of  so  great  diflBculty,  ye  see 
with  how  great  care  and  study  ye  ought  to  apply 
yourselves,  that  ye  may  show  yourselves  dutiful 
and  thankful  unto  the  Lord  who  hath  placed  into 
your  keeping  such  treasures,  as  also  to  beware 
that  neither  you  yourselves  offend  nor  give  occa- 
sion that  others  offend.  Howbeit,  ye  cannot  have 
a  mind  and  will  thereto  of  yourselves,  for  such 
will  and  ability  are  the  gift  of  God  alone  ;  for 
which  cause  ye  ought,  and  have  need,  to  pray 
fervently  for  the  Holy  Spirit.  And  seeing  that 
ye  cannot  by  other  means  accomplish  the  weighty 
work  pertaining  to  the  salvation  of  man,  but  with 
doctrine  and  exhortation  in  accord  with  and  drawn 
from  the  sacred  Scriptures,  associated  with  a  life 
agreeable  to  the  same,  consider  well  how  studi- 
ous ye  ought  to  be  in  reading  and  acquiring  a  cor- 


154  ORDINATION. 

rect  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  and  in  framing 
the  manners,  both  of  yourselves  and  of  them  that 
specially  pertain  unto  you,  according  to  the  doc- 
trine of  the  same  Scriptures  ;  and  for  this  selfsame 
cause  how  ye  ought  to  forsake  and  set  aside,  as 
much  as  this  may  be,  all  worldly  cares  and  studies. 

We  have  this  confidence  in  you,  brethren,  that 
you  have  all  weighed  and  pondered  these  things 
with  yourselves  many  times,  and  that  you  have 
clearly  determined  by  the  grace  of  God  to  give 
yourselves  wholly  to  this  ofi5ce,  whereunto  it  hath 
pleased  God  to  call  you  ;  so  that,  as  much  as  lieth 
in  you,  you  will  apply  yourselves  without  reserve 
to  this  one  thing,  and  concentrate  all  your  cares 
and  studies  upon  the  same,  and  that  you  will  con- 
tinually pray  to  God  the  Father,  by  the  mediation 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  only  Saviour,  for  the  blessed  in- 
dwelling of  the  Holy  Spirit  ;  that  by  the  daily 
reading  and  study  of  the  Scriptures  ye  may  be  thor- 
oughly furnished,  rightly  dividing  the  Word  of 
Truth  ;  aijid  that  you  so  conduct  yourselves  that 
you  may  be  wholesome  and  godly  examples  for  the 
people  to  follow. 

And  now,  that  the  congregation  here  assembled, 
in  the  name  of  Christ,  may  also  understand  your 
minds  and  wills  in  these  things,  and  that  this,  your 
promise,  may  the  more  move  you  to  do  your  duty, 
ye  shall  answer  plainly  to  the  things  which  we,  in 
the  name  of  God  and  His  Church,  shall  ask  of  you. 

Question.  Do  you  believe  in  your  heart  that  you 
are  truly  called,  according  to  the  will  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  to  the  oflBce  of  an  Elder? 


ORDINATION.  1S5 

Ans.  I  do  believe  so. 

Question.  Are  you  persuaded  that  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures contain  sufficiently  all  doctrine  essential  to 
eternal  salvation  through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ? 
And  are  you  determined  out  of  the  said  Scriptures 
to  instruct  the  people  committed  to  your  charge, 
and  to  teach  nothing  as  essential  to  eternal  salva- 
tion, but  that  which  you  shall  be  persuaded  may  be 
contained  in  and  proved  by  the  Scriptures? 

Ans.  I  am  so  persuaded,  and  have  so  determined, 
by  the  grace  of  God. 

Question.  Will  you  then  give  faithful  diligence  to 
administer  the  sacraments,  preach  the  doctrines  of 
Christ,  and  observe  and  execute  the  Discipline  of 
the  church  as  the  Lord  hath  commanded  ? 

Ans.  I  vnll  do  so,  by  the  help  of  the  Lord. 

Question.  Will  you  be  ready  by  all  faithful  dili- 
gence to  disprove  and  banish  all  erroneous  and 
strange  doctrines  contrary  to  God's  Word,  and  to 
use  both  public  and  private  admonitions  and  ex- 
hortations as  need  shall  require  and  occasion  shall 
be  given  ? 

Ans.  I  will,  the  Lord  being  my  helper. 

Question.  Will  you  be  diligent  in  prayers  and  in 
reading  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  in  such  studies 
as  are  helpful  to  the  knowledge  of  the  same  ? 

Ans.  I  will  endeavor  so  to  do,  the  Lord  being 
my  helper. 

Question.  Will  you  be  diligent  to  fashion  your- 
self and  ycur  family  according  to  the  doctrine  of 
Christ ;  and  to  make  both  yourselves  and  them,  as 


136  ORDINATION. 

much  as  in  you  lieth,  wholesome  examples  and 
patterns  to  the  flock  of  Christ  ? 

Ans.  I  will  thereto  apply  myself,  the  Lord  being 
my  helper. 

Question.  Will  you,  to  the  extent  of  your  ability 
cultivate  and  maintain  harmony,  peace,  and  love 
among  all  people,  especially  among  all  Christian 
persons  and  preeminently  among  them  that  are  or 
shall  be  committed  to  your  care  ? 

Ans.  I  will  do  so,  the  Lord  being  my  helper. 

Question.  Will  you  reverently  submit  to  your  su- 
periors in  office,  unto  whom  is  committed  the 
charge  over  you  ;  following  with  a  ready  heart  and 
a  willing  mind  their  godly  counsels  and  admoni- 
tions ? 

Ans.  I  will  do  so,  the  Lord  being  my  helper. 

[  T/ien  shall  the  Bishop,  or  the  President,  say  .•] 

trod  Almighty,  who  hath  given  you  this  will  to 
do  all  these  things,  grant  also  unto  you  fullness  of 
ability  to  perform,  that  He  may  accomplish  His 
work  begun  in  you,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

After  this  the  whole  congregation  shall  be  re- 
quested to  kneel,  and  in  silent  prayer  to  make 
their  humble  supplications  to  God  for  all  these 
things  : 

After  which  the  following  verses  shall  be  read  respon- 
sively  by  the  Bishop  and  the  assistitig  Elders,  the  per- 
sons to  be  ordained  Elders  and  the  congregation  still 
kneeling: 


ORDINATION.  1^" 

Come  Holy  Ghost  our  souls  inspire. 
Atid  lighten  with  celestial  fire. 
Thou  the  anointing  Spirit  art, 
Who  dost  thy  seven-fold  gifts  impart. 
Thy  blessed  unction  from  above 
Is  comfort,  life,  and  fire  of  love. 

Enable  with  perpetual  light 

The  dullness  of  our  blifided  sight: 

Anoint  and  cheer  our  soiled  face, 
With  the  abundance  of  Thy  grace  ; 

Keep  far  our  foes,  give  peace  at  home; 
Where  Thou  art  Guide  no  ill  can  come 

Teach  us  to  know  the  Father,  Son, 
And  Thee  of  both  to  be  but  One  ; 
That  through  the  ages  all  along, 
This  theme  may  be  our  endless  song  ; 
Praise  to  Thy  eternal  merit,. 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spif:it. 

[  That  done,  the  Bishop,  or  the  President,  shall  pray 
in  this  wise  .•] 
Almighty  God  and  Heavenly  Father,  who  of 
Thine  infinite  love  and  goodness  towards  us,  hast 
given  to  us  Thine  only  and  dearly  beloved  Son, 
Jesus  Christ,  to  be  our  Redeemer,  and  the  author 
of  everlasting  life  ;  who,  after  He  had  perfected  our 
redemption  by  His  death,  and  was  ascended  into 
heaven,  sent  abroad  into  the  world  his  apostles, 
prophets,  evangelists,  teachers,  and  pastors,  by 
whose  labor  and  ministry  He  gathered  together 
multitudes  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  to  set  forth 


13H  ORDINATION. 

the  eternal  praise  of  Thy  holy  name  :  for  these  un- 
speakable benefits  of  Thy  eternal  goodness,  and 
that  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  call  these  Thy  servants 
here  present,  to  the  same  office  and  ministry  ap- 
pointed for  the  salvation  of  mankind,  we  render 
unto  Thee  most  hearty  thanks  ;  we  praise  and  wor- 
ship Thee  through  Thy  dear  Son,  our  Saviour,  and 
we  humbly  beseech  Thee  that  they  may  ever  con- 
tinue to  show  forth  Thy  praise  and  that  they  may 
daily  increase  in  knowledge  and  all  goodness  by 
the  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Grant  that 
through  these  Thy  ministers,  as  well  as  through 
those  over  whom  they  shall  be  appointed  Shep- 
herds, Thy  holy  name  may  be  forever  glorified,  and 
Thy  kingdom  enlarged,  through  Thy  dear  Son, 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

[  The  Bishop^  or  the  President,  and  the  assisting  Elders 
shall  then  lay  their  hands  upon  the  head  of  each  that 
leceiveth  the  order  of  Elder,  the  candidates  htimhly 
kneeling  and  the  Bishop,  or  the  President,   saying. ■'] 

The  Lord  pour  upon  thee  the  Holy  Spirit  for 
the  office  and  work  of  an  Elder  in  the  Church  of 
God,  now  committed  unto  thee  by  authority  of  the 
church,  through  the  imposition  of  our  hands.  Be 
thou  a  faithful  dispenser  of  the  Word  of  God, 
and  of  the  Holy  Sacraments  ;  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Amen. 

[  Then   the  Bishop^  or  the  President,  shall  hand  to    each 
of  them  the  Bible, saying.^ 


ORDINATION.  »^9 

Take  thou  authority  as  an  Elder  in  the  church, 
to  preach  the  Word  of  God  and  to  administer  the 
Holy  Sacraments  in  the  congregation. 

\Then  shall  the  Bishop  read  Matt.  28 :  18-20,  fol- 
lowed by  prayer  and  benediction  in  the  follow- 
ing- order,  the  congregation  and  the  Elders 
standing:  ] 

Matt,  xxviii.  18-20. 

Jesus  came  and  spake  unto  them,  saying  :  All 
power  is  given  unto  Me  in  heaven  and  in  earth. 
Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  nam€  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  teaching  them  to  observe 
all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you ;  and, 
lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world. 

Let  us  Pray. 

Most  merciful  Father,  we  beseech  Thee  to  im- 
part unto  these  Thy  servants  the  riches  of  Thy' 
grace,  and  the  guidance  and  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit ;  that,  with  clearness  of  discernment,  and 
readiness  of  utterance,  they  may  declare  unto  all 
to  whom  they  are  sent  the  whole  counsel  of  God  ; 
and  that  through  their  ministrations  the  church 
may  be  quickened,  and  moved  to  higher  attain- 
ments in  godliness,  and  the  lost  be  converted  and 
gathered  in  the  fold  of  Christ.  Grant  that  in  all 
things  they  may  seek  Thy  glory  alone,  and  the  in- 
crease of  Thy  kingdom,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  O  merciful  Father,  our  hope  is  in  Thee. 
Fill  us  with  Thy  gracious  presence  and  favor  in 


140  ORDINATION. 

all  our  lot ;  that  in  all  our  works,  begun,  continued 
and  ended  in  Thee,  we  may  worthily  glorify  Thy 
holy  name,  and  finally  by  Thy  mercy,  inherit  eter- 
nal life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Benediction. 

The  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing, keep  your  hearts  and  minds  in  the  knowledge 
and  love  of  God,  and  of  His  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Ivord ;  and  the  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  among 
you,  and  remain  with  you  always.     Amen. 

[If  on  the  same  day  the  order  of  Deacon  be  given 
to  some,  and  that  of  Elder  to  others,  the  Deacons 
shall  be  first  presented,  and  then  the  Elders.  The 
forms  shall  both  be  used  ;  first  that  for  Deacons, 
then  that  for  Elders.  The  epistle  to  be  read  shall 
be  Eph.  4 .  7-13,  as  before  in  this  office  ;  immedi- 
ately after  which,  they  who  are  to  be  ordained 
Deacons  shall  be  examined  and  ordained  as  is 
heretofore  prescribed.  Then  the  Gospel,  John 
10 .  1-16,  having  been  read  as  before  in  this  office, 
they  who  are  to  be  ordained  Elders  shall  likewise 
be  examined  and  ordained  as  directed. 

Or,  if  preferred,  those  to  be  ordained  Deacons 
may  be  examined  first,  after  reading  Eph.  4  :  7-13, 
and  be  seated  ;  then  those  to  be  ordained  Elders, 
after  which  the  ordination  maj'^  proceed  together 
without  interruption,  first  of  the  Deacons,  then  of 
the  Elders,  with  conclusion  as  directed  above.] 


CORNER  STONE  LAYxN(;.  i4i 

.       .  CHAPTER  VI. 

^169.   Form  for  Laying^  a  Corner  Stone. 

Beloved  :  As  God  in  ancient  times  commanded 
His  servant  Moses  to  set  up  the  tabernacle  in  the 
camp  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness,  and  afterward 
bestowed  his  blessing  upon  Solomon,  the  king,  in 
erecting  the  temple  in  Jerusalem,  where  all  Israel 
worshiped,  so  has  he  moved  your  hearts  to  erect 
at  this  place  a  sanctuary,  where,  in  years  to  come, 
His  people  may  assemble  for  Scriptural  instruction, 
prayer  and  praise.  We  are  assembled,  at  this 
time,  to  lay  the  corner  stone  of  this  building,  de- 
voutly asking  God  to  vouchsafe  his  blessings  to 
this  undertaking. 

[The  following  order  of  exercises  may  be  ob- 
served :] 

1.  Singing. 

2.  Reading  of  Scripture,  as  follows  : 

(Ps.  132,  or  I.  Cor.  3.  8-23.  Isa.  28:  16.  Ps.  118. 
19-29.     Eph.  2:  14-22.     I.  Peter  2:  i-io.) 

3.  Prayer. 

Almighty  God,  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 
Thou  high  and  lofty  one  who  inhabitest  eternity, 
we  thank  Thee  that  though  we  had  wandered  far 
from  Thee  by  sin  and  transgression,  infinite  love  has 
moved  Thee  to  send  Thine  only  begotten  Son, 
Jesus  Christ,  to  us,  that  He  might  redeem  and 
purify  us,  and  make  us  meet  for  holy  fellowship 
with  Thee.  We  thank  Thee,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
for  this  blessed  spiritual  fellowship  in  which  Thy 
church  is   fully    framed    together   into    an    holy 


142  CORNER  STONE  LAYING. 

temple  and  for  Thy  habitation  through  the  Spirit, 
of  which  Jesus  Christ  is  the  chief  corner  stone, — a 
tried  stone  and  precious — against  which  the  gates 
of  hell  shall  not  prevail. 

We  have  assembled,  O  Lord,  to  lay  the  corner 
stone  of  this  building  in  which  Thine  honor  shall 
dwell,  Thy  great  and  glorious  name  be  worshiped, 
Thy  holy  sacraments  administered,  and  Thy  Holy 
Word  proclaimed  for  our  salvation.  Help  us,  O 
Lord,  that  we  may  not  only  lay  the  corner  stone 
of  a  house  to  be  built  with  hands,  but  that  we  may 
here  build  also  a  temple  of  living  stones — a  godly 
congregation  and  a  holy  priesthood,  rendering  an 
acceptable  service  unto  Thee.  O  Lord,  grant  suc- 
cess and  prosperity  to  the  enterprise.  Do  Thou 
Thyself  build  this  house,  for  if  Thy  blessing  be 
withheld,  the  laborers  shall  build  in  vain.  Estab- 
lish, O  Lord,  in  this  place  a  church  upon  the  im- 
movable and  everlasting  rock  of  truth.  Hear  us. 
O  Father  in  heaven,  dwell  among  us,  and  do 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord — Our  Father,  etc. 

4.  Singing. 

5.  Sermon  or  address. 

6.  Collection. 

[Then  shall  the  pastor,  or  some  other  minister, 
exhibit  the  box  to  be  deposited,  and  publish  its 
contents,  after  which  the  officiating  minister,  as- 
sisted by  the  builder,  shall  deposit  the  box  and 
adjust  the  stone  to  its  resting  place.  This  done, 
the  officiating  minister  shall  strike  the  stone  thrice 
with  a  trowel  or  a  hammer,  and   say.]     "In  the 


CHURCH  DEDICATION.  143 

name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  we  lay  this  stone  in  the  foundation  of 
this  house  to  be  erected  and  dedicated  for  the  ser- 
vice of  God,  where  His  Word  shall  be  preached 
and  His  worship  maintained."     Amen. 

7.  Singing. 

8.  Benediction. 


^  170.    Form  for  Dedicating  a  Church. 

1.  Scripture  Reading.   (Psalm 84  ;  Isa.  62  ;  Psalm 

122;  Psalm  24;  John  17.) 

2.  Singing. 

3.  Prayer. 

4.  Singing. 

5.  Sermon. 

6.  Collection. 

7.  Address : 

Beloved  :  It  is  our  glorious  privilege  in  this 
gladsome  hour  to  appear  before  the  Lord,  the  God 
of  heaven  and  earth,  the  source  and  giver  of  every 
good  and  perfect  gift,  who  has  given  us  both  the 
desire  and  ability  to  build  this  house  to  the  glory 
of  His  name  ;  and  now,  since  our  purpose  is  ac- 
complished, to  dedicate  it  to  his  service.  Although 
the  Most  High  does  not  dwell  in  temples  made 
with  hands,  for  heaven  is  His  throne,  and  the  earth 
his  footstool ;  and  although  the  heaven  of  heavens 
cannot  contain  Him,  much  less  this  house  prepared 
by  our  hands,  yet  He  commanded  His  servant 
Moses  to  build  a  tabernacle  in  which  His  name 
should  be  recorded  and  His  honor  dwell,  and  at  the 


144  CHURCH   DEDICATION. 

dedication  of  which,  as  well  as  afterward  at  the 
dedication  of  the  temple,  He  sanctioned  and  con- 
firmed the  work  by  the  revelation  of  His  glory. 
He  also  most  graciously  accepted  the  worship  and 
sacrifices  subsequently  offered,  and  blessed  His 
people  there.  And  our  Divine  Redeemer  gives  us 
the  precious  assurance  that  He  will  meet  His  peo- 
ple wherever  they  assemble  in  His  name.  Having 
this  assurance,  we  now  designate  and  consecrate 
this  house  as  (local  name  of  church)  United  Evan- 
gelical Church  of  (name  of  place)  unto  the  triune 
God,  to  be  His  sanctuary  and  dwelling  place,  where 
praise,  thanksgiving,  and  prayei  shall  be  offered  to 
His  name.  His  Word  shall  be  readand  expounded, 
the  holy  sacramentsshallbeadministered,  and  such 
other  devotional  services,  rules,  and  customs,  as 
are  adopted  and  practiced  in  public  worship  by 
the  United  Evangelical  Church,  shall  be  faithfully 
observed.  In  this  house  God  shall  be  glorified, 
His  name  honored  and  magnified,  and  His  king- 
dom built  up  to  the  salvation  of  men. 

Responsive  Reading. 

Trustees. — "  We  will  go  into  His  tabernacles:  we 
will  worship  at  His  footstool."     (Psalm  132  : 7.) 

Pastor. — ' '  For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion  :  He 
hath  desired  it  for  His  habitation. 

Trustees. — "This  is  my  rest  forever  :  here  will  I 
dwell ;  for  I  have  desired  it. 

Pastor. — "  I  will  abundantly  bless  her  provision  : 
1  will  satisfy  her   poor   with   bread.     I  will  also 


CHURCH  DEDICATION.  145 

clothe  her  priests  with  salvation  ;  and  her  saints 
shall  shout  aloud  for  joy."     (Psalm  132  :  13-16.) 

Trustees. — "  Now,  my  God  let,  I  beseech  Thee, 
Thine  eyes  be  open,  and  let  Thine  ears  be  attent 
unto  the  prayer  that  is  made  in  this  place. 

Pastor. — "Now,  therefore  arise,  O  Lord  God, 
into  Thy  resting  place,  thou,  and  the  ark  of  Thy 
strength  :  let  Thy  priests,  O  Lord  God,  be  clothed 
with  salvation,  and  let  Thy  saints  rejoice  in  good- 
ness."    (IL  Chron.  6:40,  41.) 

All. — "  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting,  and  let  all  the  people 
say,  Amen.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. "  (Psalm  106  :  48. ) 
8.     Prayer. 

Eternal  and  omnipresent  God,  Thou  who  dwell- 
est  in  Thy  majesty  and  glory  above  all  the  heavens, 
and  fillest  the  immensity  of  space  ;  thou  conde- 
scendest  in  Thy  matchless  love  and  mercy  to  dwell 
among  Thy  people  upon  earth,  wherever  two  or 
three  are  assembled  in  Thy  name.  Be  Thou  pleased, 
O  Lord,  to  dwell  in  this  place,  and  to  bless  us  who 
are  assembled  to  give  and  dedicate  this  house  to 
Thee,  that  it  may  be  preserved  from  all  unholy  and 
common  uses,  assemblages,  and  exercises,  and  be 
devoted  alone  to  Thy  service,  and  to  the  glory  of 
Thy  holy  name.  Accept,  gracious  Heavenly  Father, 
this  offering  of  Thy  children  which  Thou  hast 
bestowed  upon  us,  and  which  we  now,  in  humility 
of  heart  thankfully  return  to  Thee  ;  and  grant  that 
Thy  favor  and  good  pleasure  may  henceforth  rest 
upon  this  place,  an4  that  we  may  be  §odi;§4  witU 


14..  CHURCH  DEDICATION. 

the  Holy  Spirit  and  all  His  graces  and  gifts.  Let 
the  preaching  of  Thy  Word,  the  administration  of 
the  sacraments  of  Thy  Church,  and  the  worship  of 
Thy  people  be  graciously  owned  and  approved  by 
the  Holy  Spirit  in  this  place,  for  our  salvation  and 
Thy  glory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 
9.  Singing:  "■  I  love  Thy  kingdom  Lord.'" 
ID,  Charge  to  the  trustees  and  delivery  of  the 
keys  in  the  name  of  the  Trinity,  to  hold  in  trust 
for  God  and  the  United  Evangelical  Church. 

11.  Doxology. 

12.  Benediction. 


PART  VI. 
TEMPORAL  ECONOMY. 


I.  Articles  of  Faith. 
II.  Christian  Perfectiox. 

III.  General  Rules. 

IV.  Special  Rules. 
V.  Membership. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Support  of  Ministers. 

*,  171-  The  3'early  allowance  for  the  itinerant 
ministers  shall  be  left  to  the  various  Annual  Con- 
ferences, who  shall  decide  upon  the  allowance  at 
their  annual  session,  or,  if  they  see  proper,  refer 
the  matter  to  the  several  Quarterly  Conferences. 
The  claim  tor  salary,  as  also  the  amounts  actually 
received,  shall  be  reported  to  the  Annual  Confer- 
ence. No  preacher  among  us  shall  be  allowed 
any  support  who  has  not  been  appointed  to  a 
charge  by  an  Annual  Conference,  unless  he  be  em- 
ployed to  fill  a  vacancy. 

TI  172.  The  annual  allowance  for  the  oflBcers 
elected  by  General  Conference  shall  be  determined 
by  that  body. 

II  173.  If  a  minister  locate  in  consequence  of 
bodily  infirmities,  but  is  still  able  to  follow  some 
business  or  vocation,  or  has  some  other  income, 
yet  not  sufficient  to  support  himself  and  his  family, 
his  circumstances  shall  be  inquired  into  by  a  com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  Presiding  Elder  of  the  dis- 
trict in  which  the  minister  may  reside,  and  a  report 
thereof  brought  to  the  Annual  Conference,  which 
shall  thereupon  grant  to  him  such  an  allowance  as 
he  may  need  and  circumstances  may  permit. 

14^ 


"®  SUPPORT  OF  MINISTERS. 

i  174-  The  allowance  for  the  superannuated  min- 
isters and  their  families,  and  for  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  deceased  itinerant  ministers,  shall  be 
regulated  by  the  Annual  Conference. 

''  175-  In  case,  however,  that  such  a  widow  as 
above  mentioned  should  marry  or  be  excluded 
from  the  church,  she  shall,  in  either  case,  forfeit  all 
claim  upon  the  church  for  support.  In  either  case, 
if  necessary,  the  orphans  shall  be  entitled  to  their 
proportionate  support  from  the  conference  to  which 
they  belong. 

Support  of  the   Bishop  and  his   Relation  to  the 
Annual  Conferences. 

%  176-  The  annual  allowance  for  the  Bishop  or 
Bishops  with  their  families  shall  be  as  ordered  by 
General  Conference.  Wherever  a  Bishop  preaches, 
a  collection  shall  be  taken  for  his  support.  If  the 
proceeds  of  such  collections  are  not  sufficient  for 
his  support  as  provided  for  in  the  Discipline,  then 
the  deficiency  shall  be  apportioned  to  the  different 
Annual  Conferences  according  to  their  church 
membership, 

T  177-  Should  a  Bishop  become  physically  in- 
capacitated in  the  interval  between  the  General 
Conference  sessions,  the  Publishing  House  of  the 
United  Evangelical  Church  shall  give  him  such 
support  as  he  may  need,  which  sum  shall  be  re- 
funded at  the  next  session  of  General  Conference, 
and  thereafter  the  General  Conference  shall  make 
the  necessary  provision  for  his  support. 


CHURCHES  AND  PARSONAGES.  1^1 

CHAPTER  II. 

Churches  and  Parsonages. 

^  178.  When  it  is  proposed  to  build  or  purchase 
a  church,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  preacher  in 
charge  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  congregation  at 
which  he  shall  preside.  They  shall  proceed  to 
elect  a  Board  of  Trustees,  of  not  less  than  three, 
who  shall  be  members  of  the  United  Evangelical 
Church.  They  may  also  elect  a  Building  Commit- 
tee which  shall  be  composed  of  such  persons  and 
members  as  may  be  deemed  necessary.  Trustees 
and  the  Building  Committee  shall  be  responsible 
to  the  congregation  which  elected  them. 

•"  1 79.  The  Building  Committee  and  Trustees  for 
the  erection  and  control  of  parsonages,  on  charges 
having  more  than  one  appointment,  shall  be 
elected  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  ;  on  charges 
having  but  one  appointment,  the  parsonage  prop- 
erty shall  be  controlled  in  the  same  manner  as 
other  church  property. 

•"  180.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  take  charge 
of  all  the  property  for  which  they  have  been  elected 
or  other  property  as  the  congregation  may  direct. 

^  181.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  be  elected  by 
members  of  the  congregation,  of  legal  age,  regard- 
less of  sex  (where  the  laws  of  the  state  do  not  con- 
flict). The  election  shall  be  for  the  term  of  one, 
three,  or  five  years. 

^  182.  The  officers  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall 
be  a  president,  ^ice  president,  secretary,  treasurer 
and  a  representative  to  Quarterly  Conference,  who 


152  CHURCHES  AXD  PARSONAGES. 

is  to  be  annually  chosen  from  among  the  members 
of  the  board,  which  officials  shall  perform  the  du- 
ties usually  assigned  such  ofiScers. 

•"  183.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record 
of  all  business  transactions  of  the  board,  which 
shall  at  all  times  be  open  for  the  inspection  of  the 
Quarterly  Conference  as  well  as  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees. 

•"  184.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  hold  an  an- 
nual meeting  before  the  last  Quarterly  Conference 
on  the  charge,  at  which  time  the  oflScers  of  the 
board  shall  be  elected  and  an  annual  report  shall  be 
prepared  setting  forth  the  transactions  of  the  board 
during  the  year  past,  and  the  condition  of  the 
property  belonging  to  the  congregation.  A  copy 
of  this  report  shall  be  presented  to  the  Quarterl}- 
Conference,  Special  meetings  shall  be  called  by 
the  president  when  requested  by  three  trustees. 

1[  185.  As  it  is  commanded  that  the  Gospel  be 
preached  to  all,  and  as  St.  James  enjoins  upon  the 
church  that  the  poor  be  neither  slighted  nor  neg- 
lected, therefore  the  seats  in  all  our  churches 
shall  be  free. 

Form  for  Deeds. 

1[  186.  Deeds  for  churches  and  parsonages  shall 
contain  the  following  provisional  clause  : 

To .    .      trustees  of 

United  Evangelica"".  Church 

of ,  to  be  held  as  a  place 

of  worship,  according  to  the  faith  of  the  United 
Evangelical  Church,  for  the  use  of  said  congrega- 


CHURCHES  AND  PARSONAGES.  15.- 

tion,  subject  to  the  control  of  a  majority  of  the 
members  in  good  standing,  provided  that  congre- 
gational action  affecting  or  dissolving,  or  intend- 
ed to  affect,  the  ecclesiastical  relations  or  connec- 
tion of  the  congregation,  can  be  taken  only  in  the 
month  immediately  preceding  the  regular  session 
of  the  Annual  Conference  of  the  United  Evangel- 
ical Church  V  ithin  whose  bounds  this  property  is 
located.  During  this  time  no  congregational 
meeting  shall  be  convened  by  the  trustees  unless 
one-fifth  of  all  the  members  in  good  standing  sub- 
scribe to  a  written  call  for  such  meeting,  said  call 
always  to  announce  the  purpose  for  which  the  con- 
gregation is  to  be  convened.  Said  meeting  is  to 
be  announced  on  two  successive  Sundays  at  the 
place  of  public  worship,  and  a  personal  notice  is 
to  be  mailed  to  each  member  of  the  congregation 
to  the  address  given  on  the  church  record.  All 
adult  persons  whose  names  have  been  on  the  church 
record  at  least  one  year,  and  who  have  contributed 
regularly  to  the  maintenance  of  the  congregation, 
and  have  communed  during  said  year,  shall  be 
considered  members  in  good  standing.  A  congre- 
gation thus  convened  can  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds, 
the  ayes  and  nays  being  taken,  determine  any 
question  of  ecclesiastical  connection,  notice  of 
which  action  shall  be  given  to  the  Annual  Confer- 
ence at  its  next  regular  session.  Such  adult  mem- 
bers in  good  standing  who  decide  to  remain  with 
the  United  Evangelical  Church,  from  which  the 
congregation  has  separated,  shall  be  entitled  to  a 
pro  rata  portion  of  the  appraised  value  of  the  con- 


154  ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION. 

gregational  property,  pro\-ided  such  money  will  be 
used  in  erecting  and  maintaining  a  place  of  wor- 
ship in  connection  with  the  United  Evangelical 
Church.  It  is  further  provided,  that  if  any  appro- 
priations are  made  by  the  aforesaid  Annual  Con- 
ference of  the  United  Evangelical  Church  from  the 
missionary  or  the  building  funds  of  the  conference. 
toward  the  creation  or  maintenance  of  the  congre- 
gation, or  its  property,  such  appropriations  are  to 
constitute  a  non-interest  bearing  debt  on  the  prop- 
erty, to  become  collectible  in  case  the  congregation 
separates  from  the  United  Evangelical  Church, 
unless  otherwise  agreed  between  the  officers  of  the 
conference  and  the  officers  of  the  congregation. 


CHAPTER  III. 

•^  i^:.     i^rticles  of  Incorporation. 

1.  The  name  of  this  corporation  is 

2.  Said  corporation  is  formed  for  the  purpose  of 
the  public  worship  of  God  according  to  the  faith 
of  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  the  promotion 
of  the  interests  of  religion,  and  the  spread  of 
Christ's  kingdom  throughout  the  world,  in  con- 
nection and  association  with  the  said  United  Evan- 
gelical Church,  subject  to  the  following  reserva- 
tions and  restrictions  in  relation  to  such  connection 
and  association ,  to  wit : 

The  said  corporation  reserves  to  itself  the  power 
to  dissolve  this  connection,  and  form  any  other 
denominational  connection,  or  continue  as  an  in- 


ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION.  15=; 

dependent  congregation  in  the  following  manner: 
Congregational  action  dissolving  or  changing,  or 
intended  to  dissolve  or  change,  the  ecclesiastical 
connection  or  relation  of  the  said  congregation, 
can  be  taken  only  during  the  thirty  days  immedi- 
ately preceding  the  opening  date  of  the  regular 
session  of  the  Annual  Conference  of  the  United 
Evangelical  Church,  within  whose  district  this 
propert}'  is  located.  During  the  aforesaid  thirty 
days  no  congregational  meeting  shall  be  called  by 
the  trustees  unless  one-fifth  of  the  members  in 
good  standing  subscribe  a  written  call  for  such 
meeting  ;  said  call  to  contain  an  announcement  of 
the  purpose  of  such  meeting.  Said  meeting  is  to 
be  announced  on  two  successive  Sundays  in  the 
public  service  of  the  congregation,  and  a  personal 
notice  is  to  be  mailed  to  each  member  entitled  to 
act,  to  the  address  given  on  the  church  record. 
All  persons  who  are  twenty-one  3-ears  of  age,  and 
whose  names  are  enrolled  at  the  time  the  meeting 
is  convened,  and  were  enrolled  at  least  one  year 
before  said  meeting,  and  who  have  contributed 
regularly  to  the  maintenance  of  the  congregation, 
and  have  communed  during  said  year,  are  entitled 
to  vote.  The  said  congregation  thus  convened  can, 
by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  all  the  members  qualified 
to  act,  the  ayes  and  nays  being  taken,  dissolve  any 
existing  ecclesiastical  connection  and  determine 
any  question  affecting  its  relation  to,  or  connection 
with,  any  ecclesiastical  body.  If  the  action  taken 
relate  to  the  separatior  of  the  aforesaid  congrega- 
tion from,  or  its  connection  with,  the  said  United 


156  ARTICLES  OP  INCORPORATION. 

Evangelical  Church,  notice  thereof  must  be  pre- 
sented to  the  Annual  Conference  of  said  United 
Evangelical  Church,  within  whose  bounds  the 
property  is  located,  at  its  next  regular  session. 

Such  adult  (twent3'-one  or  more  years  of  age) 
members  entitled  to  a  vote  at  said  congregational 
meeting,  who,  in  the  event  of  said  congregation's 
withdrawal,  decide  to  remain  with  the  said  United 
Evangelical  Church,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  pro  rata 
share  of  the  appraised  value  of  the  congregational 
property,  if  they  agree  to  use  such  money  in 
providing  and  maintaining  a  place  of  worship  in 
connection  with  the  said  United  Evangelical 
Church,  and  give  notice  of  such  purpose  at  said 
meeting.  Should  this  corporation  become  extinct, 
and  its  property  cease  to  be  used  as  a  place  of 
Divine  worship,  the  property  shall  revert  to  the 
aforesaid  Annual  Conference  of  the  United  Evan- 
gelical Church. 

It  is  further  provided  that  if  any  appropriations 
ar'e  made  by  the  said  Annual  Conference  from  its 
building  and  missionar}-  funds  toward  the  creation 
or  maintenance  of  the  said  congregation,  or  its 
property,  such  appropriations  are  to,  and  do,  con- 
stitute a  non-interest  bearing  debt  on  the  property, 
to  be  collectible  only  in  case  said  congregation, 
separates  from  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  un- 
less otherwise  agreed  between  the  oflScers  of  the 
said  Annual  Conference  and  the  said  congregation 

3.  The  business  of  this  corporation  is  to  be  trans- 
acted in 

4.  The  said  corporation  is  to  exist  perpetually. 


ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION.  15. 

5.  There  is  to  be  no  capital  stock,  and  there  are 
to  be  no  shares  of  stock  issued. 

The  names  and  residences  of  the  subscribers 
hereto  are  


6.  The  number  of  trustees  of   said  corporation 

is  fixed  at ,  to  be  elected  at  such  time  and 

place,  in  such  manner,  and  for  such  terms  as  may 
be  specified  in  the  by-laws.  The  names  of  the 
persons  chosen  as  trustees  are 

7.  The  yearly  income  of  the  corporation  shall 
not  exceed  twenty  thousand  dollars,  and  the  in- 
debtedness shall  not  exceed 

unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  members  of  the 
corporation. 

8.  Any  property,  real  or  personal,  which  shall 
hereafter  be  bequeathed,  devised  or  conveyed  to 
said  corporation  shall  be  taken  and  held  to  inure 
to  it,  subject  to  the  control  and  disposition  of  the 
lay  members  thereof,  or  such  constituted  ofl&cers 
or  representatives  thereof  as  shall  be  composed  of 
a  majority  of  lay  members,  citizens  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, having  a  controlling  power  according  to  the 
rules,  regulations,  or  corporate  requirements  of 
this  corporation. 

9.  This  corporation  can,  by  a  majority  vote  of 
its  qualified  members,  present  at  any  duly  called 
congregational  meeting,  adopt  any  by-laws  not  in- 
consistent with  the  provisions  of  this  charter  or 
the  laws  of  this  Commonwealth, 

Witness  our  hands  and  seals  this 

day  of ,  A.  D 


l=;s  SUPPORT  OK  MISSIONS. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Support  of  Missions. 

•"  I.S8.  Every  Annual  Conference  having  mission 
charges  shall  appoint  a  standing  committee  on 
missions,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  estimate  the 
probable  cost  of  each  mission  in  the  conference, 
giving  name  and  locality,  as  also  name  and  address 
of  the  missionary,  such  estimate  to  be  presented 
to  the  General  Board  of  Missions,  at  its  annual, 
meeting,  by  the  representative  of  the.  Annual  Con- 
ference Missionary  Society,  as  the  basis  of  the  an- 
nual appropriation  for  such  missions,  which  shall 
be  entered  upon  the  records  of  the  board  and  a 
copy  transmitted  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Conference 
Missionary  Society,  that  he  ma}-  know  the  amount 
he  is  to  draw  from  the  treasurer  of  the  General 
Missionary  Society  of  the  church. 

Annual  Conference  Auxiliary  Missionary 
Society. 

^  189.  In  every  Annual  Conference  there  shall 
be  organized  a  missionary  society,  auxiliary  to  the 
Missionary  Society  of  the  United  Evangelical 
Church,  with  branch  auxiliary  societies  on  the  sev- 
eral circuits,  stations,  and  missions,  under  such 
regulations  as  the  conferences  respectively  may 
prescribe,  consistent  with  the  constitution  of  the 
General  Missionary  Society. 

The  Conference  Missionary  Society  shall  trans- 
mit annually  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the 
General  Missionary  Society  a  copy  of  its  annual 
report,  and  shall  also  inform  the  treasurer  of  the 


FUBLISHIN(.   INTKRKSTS.  IS*) 

amount  collected  in.  aid  of  the  missionary  cause, 
which  amount  shall  be  subject  to  the  order  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  General  Missionary  Society. 

Missionaries  Must  /Report. 

•  igu.  Every  missionary  shall  transmit  to  the 
corresponding  secretary,  at  least  once  in  four 
months,  a  report  of  the  condition  and  the  prospect 
of  the  mission  under  his  care,  in  order  to  enable 
the  latter  correctly  to  prepare  his  annual  report  to 
the  Board  of  Missions,  respecting  the  condition  of 
our  missionary  work  in  general. 


CHAPTER  V. 
Pablishing  Interests. 

•"  191.  There  shall  be  a  Board  of  Publication 
consisting  of  ten  members,  five  ministers  and  five 
laymen,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the  General  Con- 
ference for  four  years,  and  who  shall  be  held  ame- 
nable to  the  General  Conference  for  the  manage- 
ment of  the  publishing  interests  of  the  church. 
The  Bishops  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
Board.  In  case  a  vacancy  should  occur  during  the 
interval  between  the  General  Conference  sessions 
the  remaining  members  of  the  Board,  at  their 
next  annual  session,  shall  elect  a  member  from  the 
same  district  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

''  192.  This  Board  shall  have  supervision  of  all 
the  publishinginterests  of  the  church,  and  shall 
order  all  the  necessary  improvements  that  cannot 


160  PUBLISHING  INTERESTS. 

he  made  by  the  General  Corrference ;  and,  at  its 
discretion,  publish  such  works  as  have  already 
been  properly  sanctioned ;  and,  with  the  assistance 
of  the  publisher,  fix  the  prices  of  their  publica- 
tions. 

^  193.  The  Board  shall  meet  annually  in  regu- 
lar session. 

1[  194.  The  Board  shall  elect  three  persons  as 
an  Executive  Committee,  one  from  the  East,  one 
from  the  Central  and  one  from  the  Pittsburg 
Conferences.  This  Executive  Committee  shall 
see  that  the  provisions  of  the  Board  are  carried 
into  eflfect  by  the  general  publisher,  and  shall 
have  power  also  to  provide  for  all  cases  of  ne- 
cessity during  the  \^ear  that  could  not  be  deter- 
mined by  the  Board.  The  Executive  Committee 
shall  call  special  meetings  of  the  Board  in  case 
of  necessity. 

^  195.  There  shall  be  a  requisite  number  of  edi- 
tors elected  who  shall  edit  our  periodicals,  and  all 
other  works  that  may  be  printed,  as  the  General 
Conference  may  provide,  or  the  Board  of  Publi- 
cation may  direct.  They  shall  be  elected  by  the 
General  Conference  for  a  term  of  four  years,  and 
shall  be  amenable  for  their  moral  conduct  to  the 
Conference  of  which  they  are  members,  and  for 
their  official  conduct  to  the  Board  of  Publication. 

H  196.  There  shall  be  a  general  publisher  who 
shall  conduct  the  entire  book  and  publishing  busi- 
ness as  the  General  Conference  may  provide,  or 


PUBLISHING  INTERESTS.  161 

the  Board  of  Publication  may  direct.  He  shall 
keep  correct  accounts,  and  dispense  all  money  as 
directed  in  paragraph  198  in  this  chapter.  He 
shall  inform  each  Annual  Conference  of  the 
amount  that  accrues  to  it  from  the  profits  of  the 
establishment.  He  shall  be  elected  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  for  a  term  of  four  years,  and 
shall  be  amenable  for  his  moral  conduct  to  the 
Conference  of  which  he  is  a  member,  and  for 
his  official  conduct  to  the  Board  of  Publication. 

fl"  197.  Each  preacher  shall  be  responsible  for 
the  payment  of  books  which  he  orders  from  the 
establishment.  Agents  shall  be  allowed  a  com- 
mission of  25  per  cent,  on  our  own  publications, 
and  in  case  a  bill  is  paid  within  sixty  days,  an 
additional  discount  of  10  per  cent,  shall  be  al- 
lowed. The  commission  on  our  periodicals  shall 
be  determined  by  the  Board  of  Publication.  On 
Sunday-school  libraries  and  gp'^^ral  books  pub- 
lished by  other  houses  the  discounts  shall  be 
regulated  by  the  publisher  and  the  Executive 
Committee.  They  shall  also  regulate  the  dis- 
counts to  be  allowed  to  other  publishing  houses. 
^  198.  The  profits  arising  from  the  establish- 
ment after  a  sufficient  capital  to  carry  on  the 
business  has  been  retained,  shall  be  applied  to 
the  support  of  the  superannuated  preachers  and 
their  families,  and  to  the  widow  and  orphans  of 
deceased  'tinerant  preachers  according  to  the  di- 
rections of  our  Discipline  on  page  150.  These 
profits  shall  be  divided  annually  among  the  sev- 


162  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  (JONSTITL'TION 

eral    Annual    Conference,    in    the    following    man- 
rer : 

d)  One-half  of  the  annual  dividends  shall  be 
first  equally  divided  amonir  the  several  Annual 
Conferences. 

(2)  The  remaining  half  shall  be  divided  among 
the  various  Annual  Conferences  in  proportion  to 
the  amount  paid  to  the  Publishing  House  by  each. 

(3)  The  publisher  shall  keep  an  accurate  ac- 
count of  the  receipts  from  every  Annual  Confer- 
ence. 


CHAPTER  VT. 

^  199.     Constitution  of  the  Home  and  Foreign 

Missionary  Society  of  the  United 

Evangelical  Church. 

Article  I. 

This  society  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of 
"The  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of 
the  United  Evangelical   Church." 

Article  H. 

The  purpose  of  this  society  is  to  collect  fund-^ 
to  extend  and  prosecute  our  missionary  labors,  in 
home  and  foreign  fields,  disseminate  missionary 
information,    and    inspire    mi'^^ionary    enthusiasm. 

Article    TH. 

Each  conference  shall  be  organized  into  a  so- 
cietv   auxiliarv   to   this    societv.     All    members    of 


MISSIONARVBOCIETY  CONSTITUTION.  165 

conicrcncc  and  others  who  annually  pay  a  certain 
sum  into  the  treasury  of  their  conference  auxil- 
iary shall  be  members  of  the  same.  Each  confer- 
ence auxiliary  shall  have  power  to  fix  the  annual 
clues  to  be  paid  by  its  members.  Any  person 
paying  at  one  time  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars  into 
the  General  Treasury  shall  be  constituted  an  hon- 
orary member  of  the  Board  of  Missions.  Such 
shall  have  the  privilege  of  being  present  at  the 
meetings  of  the  Board,  and  take  part  in  the  dis- 
cussion, but  shall  have  no  vote. 

The  auxiliaries  shall  constitute  the  General  Mis- 
sionary Society. 

Artici.i:    ]y. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  a  president, 
vice  president,  recording  secretary,  corresponding 
-ecretary.  and  treasurer,  all  of  whom,  except  the 
vice  president,  shall  be  elected  by  the  General 
Conference  for  a  term  of  four  years.  The  vice 
president  shall  be  elected  annually  by  the  Board 
of  Missions.  These  officers  shall  also  be  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Board.  The  Board  shall  have  the 
power  to  fill  any  vacancies  that  may  occur  in  the 
interim  between  the  sessions  of  General  Con- 
ference. These  offices  shall,  as  much  as  practi- 
cable, be  equally  distributed  among  ministers  and 
laymen. 

Article  V. 

The  temporal  affairs  and  property  of  the  society 
in    general    shall    be    administered    bv    a    Board. 


164  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  CONSTITUTION, 

which  shall  consist  of  the  officers  of  this  society, 
and  of  one  delegate  from  each  conference  aux- 
iliary, and  one  from  the  Woman's  Home  and  For- 
eign Missionary  Society,  to  be  elected  at  the  an- 
nual meetings  of  these  auxiliaries.  The  Bishops 
shall  be  advisory  members  of  the  Board,  with  the 
privilege  of  serving  on  committees  and  taking 
part  in  the  discussions. 

Article  VI. 

The  General  Board  of  Missions  shall  meet  an- 
nually at  such  time  and  place  as  it  may  determine, 
in  order  to  consult  conceming  the  missionary  af- 
fairs of  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  and  make 
the  necessary  arrangements  for  prosecuting  our 
missionary  labors  in  the  most  effectual  manner, 
in  our  own  and  foreign  countries.  For  this  pur- 
pose, it  shall  : 

1.  Make  strict  inquiries  concerning  the  condi- 
tion and  prospects  of  the  various  missions  under 
its  care,  and  shall  make  appropriations  for  their 
s'-ipport  accordingly. 

2.  Have  power  to  establish  missions  in  our  own 
land,  beyond  the  territory  of  the  various  confer- 
ence districts,  and  supply  them  wMth  preachers 
from  the  various  Annual  Conferences,  such 
preachers  consenting,  and  to  see  that  they  are 
supported  by  the  funds  of  this  society.  Such 
missions  as  are  within  the  limits  of  the  several 
conferences  are  to  be  supplied  by  the  respective 
conferences  themselves. 


MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  CONSTITUTION.  165 

3.  Carefully  consider  the  instructions,  reconi- 
mendations,  and  estimates  presented  by  the  dele- 
gates of  the  different  conference  auxiliaries,  and. 
ill  view  of  these,  it  shall  determine  the  amount 
which  each  conference  missionary  auxiliary  shall 
expend  during  the  ensuing  year. 

4.  Have  power,  if  necessary,  to  borrow  money 
for  the  prosecution  of  our  missionary  work;  but 
must  make  proper  arrangements  to  discharge  such 
obligations  as  soon  as  possible.  For  its  official 
proceedings  the  Board  is  amenable  to  the  General 
Conference,  to  which  it  must  submit  its  records 
for  approval. 

5.  Have  power  to  make  by-laws  for  the  regula- 
tion of  its  business :  to  examine  incidental  ex- 
penses and  see  that  they  are  paid ;  to  determine 
the  support  of  sick  and  superannuated  mission- 
aries under  its  supervision,  also  that  of  the 
widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  missionaries. 
At  each  annual  meeting  of  the  Board  it  shall  sub- 
mit a  plain  report  of  all  its  proceedings,  and  the 
<;tate  of  the  society's  funds. 

Article   VH. 

There  shall  be  an  Executive  Committee,  con- 
sisting of  the  president,  the  secretaries,  the  treas- 
urer, the  Bishops  and  four  members,  one  of  whom 
shall  be  a  member  of  the  Woman's  Missionary 
Society.  The  representative  of  the  Woman's  Mis- 
sionary Society^  shall  be  elected  by  the  Woman's 
Board  and  the  other  three  members  bv  the  Board 


166  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  CONSTITUTION. 

of  Missions  annually.  The  duty  of  this  commit- 
mittee  shall  be  to  see  that  the  decisions  and 
measures  of  the  Board  are  carried  into  effect, 
during  the  intervals  between  its  regular  sessions. 
For  this  purpose  it  shall  hold  meetings  when- 
ever necessary  to  examine  the  finances  of  the  so- 
ciety, receive  and  deliberate  on  the  reports  ob- 
tained from  the  various  missions.  It  shall  be 
empowered  to  fill  vacancies,  both  in  its  own  body 
or  in  missions  outside  the  Annual  Conference 
limits,  whether  caused  by  death,  resignations,  or 
otherwise,  as  also  in  cases  of  necessity  to  appoint 
missionaries,  recall  or  transfer  such  as  are  ap- 
pointed, and  upon  the  whole  take  measures  to  meet 
every  pressing  emergency  that  may  arise  during 
the  year.  For  its  official  conduct  it  shall  be  re- 
sponsible to  the  General  Board,  to  which  it  must 
submit  the  records  of  its  proceedings  for  ratifica- 
tion. 

Article  VTIT. 

At  all  meetings  of  the  Board,  seven,  and  of  the 
Executive  Committee,  four,  shall  constitute  ;i 
quorum. 

Article   IX. 

The  duties  of  the  different  officers  shall  be  : 
a.  The   president   shall   preside  at   all   meetings 
of  the  Board,  give  the  casting  vote  in  case  of  a 
tie,  and  execute  all  the  functions  that  pertain  to 
the  presidents  of  legally  constituted  bodies. 

h.   In    the    absence    of    the    president    the    vice 


MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  CONSTITUTION.  167 

president   shall    preside,  and   in    his   absence,   any 
member  that  the  Board  may  appoint. 

r. .The  recording  secretary  shall  keep  a  list  of 
the  members  of  the  Board,  and  accurately  record 
the  proceedings  of  both  the  Board  and  the  Exec- 
utive Committee. 

(/.  The  corresponding"  secretary  shall  receive  all 
reports  from  the  missionaries,  publish  them  at 
discretion,  conduct  the  correspondence  relating  to 
the  missionary  affairs  of  the  United  Evangelical 
Church,  unless  otherwise  ordered,  make  such 
communication  of  them  to  the  General  Board  and 
Executive  Committee  as  may  be  needed,  and  at 
each  annual  meeting  of  the  Board  submit  a  re- 
port on  the  state  of  the  missions  of  our  church, 
and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  the  Board 
of  Missions  may  assign  to  him. 

e.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  moneys  con- 
tributed or  bequeathed  to  this  society,  hold  all  se- 
curities owned  by  this  society,  carefully  note  dowti 
the  receipts  and  expenditures,  give  an  annual  re- 
port to  the  Board  of  Missions,  and  a  quadrennial 
report  to  the  General  Conference,  and  shall  pay 
out  no  money  except  as  authorized  by  the  Board 
or  the  Executive  Committee.  He  shall  also  re- 
cord the  financial  report  of  the  different  confer- 
ence auxiliaries,  and  of  the  Woman's  Home  and 
Foreign  Missionary  Society,  and  submit  them  to 
the  Board  of  ^fissions. 

Articlk  X. 

.Ml  bequests,  moneys,  or  other  properties  of  the 


168  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  CONSTITUTION. 

society  may  be  expended,  unless  it  be  the  wish  of 
the  testator  to  have  the  capital  put  on  interest, 
and  only  the  income  expended  from  time  to  time. 
It  shall  also  be  the  privilege  of  the  persons  or 
auxiliaries  contributing  to  the  missionary  cause, 
to  determine  the  mission  or  m.issions  to  which 
their  contributions  shall  be  applied,  provided  that 
such  contribution  shall  not  be  less  than  five  dol- 
lars, and  such  contribution  shall  be  published  by 
the  treasurer,  together  with  the  purpose  for  which 
designed. 

Article   XI. 

Each  Conference  Missionary  Society  shall  an- 
nually send  a  transcript  of  its  yearly  report  to  the 
corresponding  secretary,  and  also  inform  the 
treasurer  of  this  society  of  its  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures for  the  year,  and  of  the  state  cf  its 
funds. 

Article  XII. 

The  Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary 
society  may  be  expended,  unless  it  be  the  wish  of 
be  auxiliary  to  this  society,  and  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Board  of  Missions.  It  shall  an- 
nually submit  its  proceedings  to  said  Board  for 
examination  and  approval,  and  shall  annually 
send  a  report  to  the  treasurer,  of  the  sum  of  con- 
tributions collected  through  its  auxiliaries. 

Article  XIII. 
No  missionary  who  has  not  been  appointed  by 
an   Annual  or  the   General   Conference,  the   Gen- 


CHARITABLE  SOCIETY  CHARTER.  169 

eral  Board,  or  the  Executive  Committee  shall  re- 
ceive support  from  the  funds  of  this  society. 

Article  XIV. 

This  constitution  can  only  be  altered  by  the 
Board  of  Missions,  upon  a  recommendation  from 
>he  auxiliary  societies,  or  by  the  auxiliary  socie- 
ties, upon  recommendation  by  the  Board.  Such 
recommendations  must  have  a  majority  of  the 
combined  votes  taken  at  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  auxiliaries  composing  this  society,  as  well  as 
a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  members  of  the 
Board. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


^  200.     Charter  of  the  Charitable  Society. 

1.  The  name  of  this  corporation  is  "The  Char- 
itable Society  of  the  United  Evangelical  Church." 

2.  Said  corporation  is  formed  for  the  purpose 
of  relieving  the  distress  and  supplying  the  deficien- 
cies of  itinerant  and  superannuated,  or  worn  out 
ministers  of  the  United  Evangelical  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  who  remain  in  con- 
nection, and  continue  subject  to  the  order  and  con- 
trol of  the  General  Conference,  and  also  for  the  re- 
lief of  the  wives  and  children,  widows  and  orphans 
of  such  ministers,  and  for  no  other  use,  intent 
or   purpose    whatever. 

3.  The    business    of    said    corporation    is    to    be 


170  CHARITABLE  SOCIETY  CHARTER. 

transacted  in  the  city  of  Reading.  Berks  County, 
Pennsylvania. 

4.  The  corporation  is  to  exist  perpetually. 

5.  The  number  of  trustees  of  said  corporation 
is  fixed  at  nine.  Three  shall  be  elected  annually. 
The  term  of  each  trustee  hereafter  elected  shall 
be  thr^e  years.  The  names  and  residences,  of 
those  chosen  trustees  are : 

I   Albert   M.   Sampsel, 
For  one  year:        -'    John   R.    Miller. 
I   JoHx   H.    Seibert. 

(   Benjamin  J.   Smoyer. 
For    two    years :      -    Samuel  S.  Chubb. 
(   John   Hen  del. 

[  Christian  S.  Hamax, 
For    three    years :  J    Walter   P.    Huber. 

(  Charles  B.   Wagner. 

In  case  of  death,  resignation,  or  expulsion  from 
church  membership,  according  to  the  rule  and 
Discipline  from  time  to  time  adopted  by  the 
properly  constittrted  authority  of  the  United 
Evangelical  Church,  of  any  of  the  trustees  of  the 
said  corporation,  or  their  successors,  then  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  remaining  trustees  to  elect 
their  successors,  and  the  persons  so  elected  shall 
srve  for  the  unexpired  time  of  the  trustees  whose 
places  they  take.  No  person  shall  be  eligible  as 
a  trustee,  who  has  not  been  a  member  of  the 
United     Evangelical     Church     according    to    the 


CHARITABLE  SOCIETY  CHARTER.  171 

rules  and  Discipline  thereof,  for  at  least  one  year 
preceding  his  or  their  election  as  aforesaid,  and 
who  is  not  at  least  twenty-one  years  of  age. 

6.  The  trustees  shall  make,  ordain,  establish 
and  put  in  execution  all  such  by-laws,  ordinances 
and  regulations  as  to  them  shall  appear  necessary 
and  convenient  for  the  transaction  of  the  business 
of  said  society,  not  repugnant  to  this  Charter, 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  or  to  the- 
Constitution  cf  Pennsylvania ;  provided,  however, 
that  at  any  time  when  the  General  Conference  of 
the  United  Evangelical  Church  shall  by  official 
action  desire  any  modification  or  alteration  there- 
in, the  said  trustees  shall  make  such  modification 
or  alteration. 

In  witness  whereof  we  have  hereunto  set  our 
hands  and  seals  this  19th  day  of  February,  Anno 
Domini  one  thousand,  eight  hundred  and  ninety- 
five. 

Name.  Residence. 

Christian    S.    Hamax,  Reading.  Pa.  [seal] 

John  Hexdel.  Reading,  Pa.  [se.\l1 

Samuel   S.   Chubb,  Reading.  Pa.  [seal] 

Albert   M.    Sampsel.  Reading,  Pa.  [seal] 

JoHX  H.   Seibert.  Reading.  Pa.  [seal] 

B.    J.    Smover,  Lebanon.  Pa.  [seal] 

John   R.    Miller,  Reading.  Pa.  [seal] 

Charles  B.  Wagxer.  Lebanon.  Pa.  [seal] 

Walter   V.   Huber.  .\llentown.  Pa.  [seal] 


172  CHARITABLE  SOCIETY  CHARTER. 

BY-LAWS 

Of   the   Chantablc  Society   of   the   United  Bvan- 
,ciclical  Church.  located  at  Reading,   Pa. 

Article  i.  The  annual  meeting  of  the  Trustees 
shall  he  held  the  second  Wednesday  in  January 
of  every  year,  in  the  city  of  Reading,  Pa.,  for 
the  transacticn  of  husiness.  When  so  met  they 
!^'hall  have  power  to  make  such  by-laws,  rules  and 
regulations,  for  their  government  in  the  manage- 
ment of  their  affairs,  as  a  majority  of  them  may 
judge  necessary,  and  also  at  such  every  annual 
meeting  they  shall  proceed  to  choose.,  ard  by  a 
majority  of  votes,  elect  three  of  their  own  num- 
ber to  act.  one  as  President,  one  as  Secretary,  and 
one  as  Treasurer,  of  the  said  corporation,  who 
may  be  continued  in  office  from  year  to  year,  as 
the  majority  of  said  corporation  may  think 
proper. 

Article  2.  A  majority  of  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees shall  constitute  a  quorum,  which  quorum 
shall,  by  a  majority  vote,  have  full  authority  by 
deed  or  otherwise  to  grant,  bargain,  sell,  convey, 
or  otherwise  dispose  of  any  part  or  parcel  of  the 
estate  real  or  personal,  of  and  belonging  to  the 
said  corporation,  or  charge  or  encumber  the  same, 
should  they  deem  it  expedient  to  do  so.  provided, 
always,  that  the  moneys  arising  from  such  sale  or 
sales  shall  be  invested  by  the  said  Trustees,  as 
soon  as  convenient,  in  such  other  securities  that 
are    first    bens    on    propej-ty.    as    in    the    judgment 


CHARITABLE  SOCIETY   CHARTER.  173 

of  a  majority  of  them  will  he  most  productive 
knd  safe,  and  provided,  further,  that  the  annual 
interest  and  income,  arising  from  the  money  so 
invested,  shall  be  exclusively  applied  in  the  man- 
ner and  for  the  uses  and  purposes  mentioned  and 
declared  in  Article  2  of  the  Charter.  Provided, 
nevertheless,  that  the  Trustees  of  the  said  corpo- 
ration, and  their  successors,  shall  have  power  to 
draw  and  appfy  from  time  to  time  as  much 
money,  belonging  to  the  said  fund,  as  in  the  judg- 
ment of  a  majority  of  them  may  be  required  to 
defray  all  the  necessary  expenses  of  conducting 
the  business  of  the  said  corporation  in  an  eco- 
nomical manner. 

Article  3.  At  the  annual  meeting,  the  Board 
s^all  proceed  to  elect  three  trustees  to  take  the 
place  of  those  whose  terms  have  expired,  as  also 
to  fill  by  election  any  vacancies  that  have  occurred 
by  death,  resignation,  expulsion,  or  otherwise. 
Persons  so  elected  shall  serve  until  their  terms 
have  expired,  or  until  their  successors  shall  have 
been  elected. 

Article  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Trustees 
to  cause  regular  and  fair  accounts  to  be  kept  in 
books  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose  out  of  the 
funds  of  the  said  corporation,  of  the  kind  and 
amount  of  the  capital  stock,  and  of  the  annual 
interest  and  income  thereof,  as  of  all  and  every 
sum  or  sums  of  money  which  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  dr^wn  therefrom,  for  the  objects  under 
the  limitations  and  for  the  uses  and  purposes  par- 


174  CHARITABLE  SOCIETY   CHARTER. 

ticularly  niciitioiKd  and  declared  in  the  Charter: 
and  further,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  s^id  trus- 
tees, and  their  successors,  to  prepare  and  lay  be 
fore  General  Conference  a  statement  of  the  con- 
dition of  the  said  fund  during  the  quadrennium, 
for  inspection  and  examination,  which  said  state- 
ment shall  be  signed  by  the  president,  and  coun- 
tersigned by  the  secretary  of  said  corporation, 
certifying  that  the  same  is  fair  and  correct. 

Artici.k  5.  The  president,  with  the  secretary 
and  treasurer  of  the  Board,  shall  constitute  the 
Executive  Committee,  whose  duty  it  is  to  attend 
to  any  business  that  is  referred  to  them. 

Article  6.  The  duty  of  the  president  shati  be 
to  preside  at  the  meetings,  and  to  call  any  spe- 
cial meeting  that  may  be  deemed  necessary  by  the 
Executive  Committee,  or  by  a  majority  of  the 
members  of  the  Board. 

Article  7.  The  duty  of  the  secretary  shall  be 
to  keep  the  books  and  accurate  accounts  and  min- 
utes of  the  proceedings  of  each  meeting  of  the 
corporation,  also  to  send  out  notices  to  each  mem- 
ber of  the  Board  at  least  five  days  before  any 
special  meeting  ordered  to  be  called  by  the  Exec- 
utive Committee,  or  a  majority  of  the  members. 
The  books  of  the  secretary  shall  at  all  times  be 
open  to  the  inspection  of  any  member  of  the 
Board.  He  shall  correspond  with  the  secretary 
of  each  Annual  Conference,  and  ascertain  the 
number  of  claimants  from  the  respective  confer- 


CHARITABLE  SOCIETY   CHARTER.  175 

ences  in  time  to  report  at   the  annual   meeting  of 
the  Board. 

Articlic  8.  The  duty  of  the  treasurer  .shall  he 
to  receive  all  money's  intended  for  the  use  of  the 
society.  He  shall  give  a  receipt  to  the  secretary 
of  all  moneys  so  received,  and  be  ready  at  any 
time  to  pay  out  any  money  for  which  orders  may 
be  drawn  by  the  authority  of  the  Board,  when 
signed  by  the  president  and  secretary,  he  also 
shall  give  bond,  with  approved  security,  for  such 
an  amount  as  the  Board  may  direct  from  time  to 
time. 

Article  g.  No  money  or  funds  of  the  society 
shall  be  loaned  to  any  of  the  Trustees  of  this  so- 
ciety   under   any   pretence   whatever. 

.\rticle  io.  An  Auditing  Committee  shall  be 
appointed  at  each  annual  meeting  to  examine  the 
books  of  the  secretary  and  treasurer,  and  report 
to  the  Board  before  adjournment. 

Article  ii.     Form  of  bequest  to  Charitable  So 
ciety : 

I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath,  to  the  Charitabb- 
Society  of  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  organ- 
ized by  the  first  General  Conference  of  said 
church,    held   in    Naperville.   111.,   beginning   Nov. 

29th.  1894.  the  sum  of dollars,  and  the 

receipt  of  the  treasurer  of  the  society  shall  be  a 
suflficient   discharge  thereof  to  my  executors. 

Name 


i  CHURCH    EXTENSION. 

Article  12.  Order  of  Business. 

1.  Devotional  Exercises. 

2.  Roll  Call. 

3.  Reading  Minutes  for  Information. 

4.  Report  of  Secrr-tary. 

5.  Report  of  Treasurer. 

6.  Reports  of  Committees. 

7.  Unfinished  Business. 
8  New  Business. 

9.  Election    of    Trustees. 
ro.Miscellaneous  Business. 

11.  Reading  and  Approval  of  Minutes. 

12.  Adiournment. 


CHAPTER  VITI. 
^201.  Chnreh  Extension. 

1.  There  shall  be  a  Board  of  Church  Extension 
of  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  consisting  of 
three  ministers,  three  laymen  and  a  correspond- 
ing secretary,  all  of  which  shall  be  elected  by  the 
General  Conference.  Not  more  than  two  of  these 
shall  be  from  any  one  annual  conference.  The 
Board  shall  be  duly  incorporated  by  law,  with 
such  powers  and  prerogatives  as  may  be  needful 
to  the  objects  of  its  appointment:  said  Board  to 
be  subject  to  the  Discipline  of  the  United  Evan- 
gelical Church.  The  Bishops  of  the  church  shall 
also  be  members  of  the  Board. 

2.  The  objects  of  the  Board  shall  be  to  gather, 
care   for  and   distribute   funds   for  giving  aid   to 


CHURCH   EXTENSION.  177 

needy  and  deserving  congregations  in  the  build- 
ing of  churches,  or  for  giving  rehef  to  churches 
that  may  be  in  serious  financial  embarrassment. 
The  Board  shall  be  especially  solicitous  to  aid  in 
the  erection  of  churches  upon  new  missions  where 
it  would  be  impossible  to  build  a  church  without 
aid. 

3.  The  term  of  service  of  members  of  the 
Board  shall  begin  immediately  after  their  elec- 
tion, and  shall  continue  during  the  ensuing  four 
years,  and  until  their  successors  shall  be  duly 
chosen  and  have  entered  upon  their  duties,  unless 
otherwise  ordered  by  the  General  Conference.  If 
a  vacancy  should  occur  by  death,  resignation,  or 
otherwise,  during  the  interval  between  General 
Conferences,  the  remaining  members  of  the 
Board  shall  have  power  to  fill  the  vacancy  (ex- 
cept as  to  the  Bishops)  until  the  next  General 
Conference. 

4.  The  officers  of  the  Board  shall  be  a  Presi- 
dent, a  vice  president,  a  corresponding  Secretary 
and  a  treasurer.  The  president  and  vice  presi- 
dent shall  be  elected  by  the  Board.  The  corre- 
sponding secretary  shall  also  be  the  recording 
secretary.  The  treasurer  shall  be  elected  by  the 
General  Conference  from  among  the  members  of 
the  Board. 

5.  The  corresponding  secretary  shall  keep  a 
record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Board,  and  con- 
duct its  correspondence.  He  shall  conduct  the 
aflPairs  of  the  Board,  and  under  its  direction,  pro- 


178  CHURCH  EXTENSION. 

mote  its  general  interests.  He  shall  see  that  the 
provisions  of  the  Discipline  concerning  Church 
Extension,  the  By-laws,  and  orders  of  the  Board 
are  strictly  observed.  He  shall  in  all  his  official 
conduct  be  subject  to  the  authority  and  control  of 
the  Board. 

6.  The  Board  shall  hold  regular  annual  meet- 
ings in  the  month  of  October,  upon  such  a  date 
as  its  By-laws  may  provide.  Should  the  Board 
find  it  advantageous  for  the  prosecution  of  its 
work,  it  may  provide  for  regular  semi-annual 
meetings.  Special  meetings  may  be  called  at  any 
time  by  the  president,  the  corresponding  secre- 
tary, or  by  request  of  the  Bishops.  Five  mem- 
bers shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transac- 
tion of  business. 

7.  The  Board  shall  have  power  to  make  By- 
laws for  the  regulation  of  its  own  proceedings, 
not  in  conflict  with  its  own  Charter,  the  Discip- 
line, or  the  provisions  of  General  Conference.  It 
shall  have  power  to  gather  and  administer  a  Gen- 
eral Fund ;  to  provide  for  and  administer  a  Loan 
Fund :  to  establish  and  administer  an  Annuity 
Fund,  either  in  connection  with,  or  separate  from, 
the  Loan  Fund,  as  it  may  deem  wise.  It  shall 
have  the  power  to  take,  and  hold  in  trust  for  the 
United  Evangelical  Church  any  real  or  personal 
property:  to  dispose  of  the  same  for  the  use  and 
benefit  of  the  church,  and  generally  to  do  all  and 
singular   the   matters   and   things   which   shall  be 


CHURCH   EXTENSION.  17' 

necessary   and    lawful    in    the   execution   ot    us 
trusts. 

Board  Funds. 

8.  The  funds  of  the  Board  shall  be,  a  General 
Fund,  a  Loan  Fund,  and  an  Annuity  Fund. 
The  general  fund  shall  consist  of: 

(a)  The  collections  coming  to  the  Board  from 
Annual  Conf^ence  Church  Extension  societies. 

(b)  All  other  sums  of  money  coming  to  the 
Board  by  the  collections  of  the  corresponding 
secretary,  or  otherwise,  available  for  aiding 
churches,  or  for  the  current  expenses  of  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Board,  or  for  emergencies. 

(c)  All  interest  from  the  Loan  Fund  above 
that  which  is  needed  to  pay  interest  on  annuities, 
and  money  given  on  the  annuity  plan,  which  may 
accumulate  to  the  wish  of  the  anuitant  belong  to 
this  Fund. 

The  Loan  Fund  includes  all  moneys  given  for 
loans  to  churches,  the  principal  of  which  is  to  be 
preserved  intact,  and  the  interest  to  be  applied  to 
such  purposes  as  the  Board  may  determine.  This 
includes  such  bequests  as  a  will  may  designate  as 
belonging  to  this  Fund,  and  such  money  given  on 
the  annuity  plan  as  may  belong  to  it  according  to 
the  wish  of  the  annuitant.  The  money  belong- 
ing to  the  Loan  Fund  is  loaned  to  churches  upon 
approved  security,  at  such  rate  of  interest  as  the 
Board  may  determine,  and  cannot  be  donated, 
nor  can  the  loan  ever  be  released  in  any  way.  This 


180  CHURCH   EXTENSION, 

Fund  must  be  preserved  as  a  sacred  fund,  the 
other  sources  of  the  Board  being  used  to  protect 
it. 

The  Annuity  Fund  consists  of  such  moneys  as 
have  been  donated  by  generous  givers  who  need- 
ed the  use  of  their  money  during  their  life-time, 
and  to  whom  the  Board  has  pledged  a  given  rate 
of  interest.  Money  thus  given  may  be  the  part 
of  either  the  General  Fund  or  of  the  Loan  Fund, 
according  to  the  wish  of  the  Annuitant. 

9.  The  amount  of  aid  granted  to  any  congrega- 
tion shall  be  a  debt  upon  its  church,  and  in  case 
the  congregation  should  ever  decide  to  withdraw 
from  the  United  Evangelical  Church,  the  amount 
received  by  it  shall  be  returned  to  the  Board. 
Every  congregation  receiving  aid  from  the  Gen- 
eral Fund  of  the  Board  shall  return  the  same 
without  interest,  either  as  a  whole  or  in  install- 
ments, as  may  be  mutually  agreed  upon  between  the 
Board  and  the  congregation  when  the  aid  is 
granted.  The  time  of  a  loan  without  interest 
shall  not  extend  beyond  ten  years.  A  loan  may, 
however,  be  extended  for  five  years  beyond  this 
time  at  the  legal  rate  of  interest. 

Money  borrowed  by  a  congregation  from  the 
Loan  Fund,  shall  be  subject  to  tha  securities 
given  the  Board  for  it. 

It  is  provided,  however,  that  contributions  to  a 
donation  fund  may  be  received  and  appropriated 
to  aid  in  the  erection  of  churches   ip-  important 


CHURCH   EXTENSION.  181 

localities  according  to  the  wish  of  the  donor,  un- 
der such  regulations  as  the  Board  may  adopt. 

10.  The  Board  shall  have  power  to  establish 
a  Parsonage  Fund,  if  it  deems  it  expedient  to 
do  so.  The  Parsonage  Fund  shall  be  under  the 
same  regulations  as  the  other  funds  of  the 
Board. 

11.  When  a  congregation  asks  for  aid.  the  cor- 
responding secretary  shall  forward  a  blank  list 
of  questions  to  the  pastor  of  said  church  in  the 
form  herein  contained.  Said  questions  shall  be 
answered  and  certified  to  by  the  presiding  elder 
of  the  district,  the  pastor  in  charge,  and  the 
president  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  asking  the  aid. 

List  of  Questions. 
To  be  fully  answered,  and  properly  signed. 

1.  State  definitely  the  location  of  the  church  for 
which  aid  is  desired. 

2.  What  is  the  population  of  the  town  or  vi- 
cinity where  the  church  is  located? 

3.  How  many  and  what  churches  are  in  the  vi- 
cinity? 

4.  Is  the  property  deeded  in  accordance  with 
our  church  Discipline? 

5.  What  is  the  value  of  the  church?  What  is 
the  value  of  the  lot? 

6.  Has  the  community  been  thoroughly  can- 
vassed for  contributions  toward  the  building? 
How  much  of  the  amount  needed  is  already  se- 
cured? 


182  CHURCH   EXTENSION. 

/.  What  is  the  membership  of  the  congrega- 
tion? 

8.  What   is   its   approximate   financial   strength? 

9.  Does  the  congregation  contribute  regularly 
to  the  various  funds  of  the  church? 

10.  What  is  the  amount  of  aid  asked  for? 

11.  Is  the  property  insured:  if  not.  will  you  at 
once  have  it  insured? 

12.  What  amount  of  debt,  if  any.  will  remain 
against  the  property,  and  how  soon  will  the  trus- 
tees agree  to  remove  it? 

13.  Is  it  reasonably  expected  that  the  cburch 
if  aided  will  soon  become  self-supporting? 

A  copy  of  the  plans  and  specifications  for  the 
building    must    accompany   the   list   of   questions. 

^  202.  Aid  can  only  be  granted  according  to 
the  following  directions : 

(a)  The  application,  filled  out  in  due  form, 
must  first  be  in  the  hands  of  the  corresponding 
secretary. 

(/))  The  Board  may  vote  a  loan  or  donation  at 
any  of  its  regular  or  special  meetings. 

(c)  In  cases  which  the  presiding  Bishop  and 
the  corresponding  secretary  shall  consider  of  spe- 
cial immediate  need,  the  executive  committee 
may,  upon  the  recommendation  of  these  officials, 
grant  a  loan,  provided  that  the  application  is  not 
made  within  sixty  days  of  the  time  of  the  regular 
annual  meeting  of  the  Board :  provided  further, 
that  the  loan  does  not  exceed  one-fifth  of  the  cost 
of  the  building. 


CHURCH  EXTENSION.  IbJ 

(d)  Xo  loan  shall  exceed  one-third  the  value 
of  the  property,  not  including  the  lot. 

(e)  The  treasurer  shall  pay  out  no  money  for 
any  loan  or  donation  until  he  is  satisfied  that  the 
property  is  properly  deeded  in  accordance  with 
our  church  law,  and  in  the  case  of  loans,  until 
the  necessary  securities  are  in  his  hands ;  pro- 
vided always,  that  a  note  given  by  the  Board  of 
Annual  Conference  trustees  in  whose  bounds  the 
property  is  situated,  shall  be  considered  adequate 
security.  He  shall  only  pay  out  the  money  upon 
the  order  of  the  president  and  secretary  of  the 
Board. 

^  203.  Each  Annual  Conference  shall  maintain 
a  Church  Extension  Society  operating  within  its 
own  bounds.  A  regular  annual  collection  for 
Church  Extension  shall  be  taken  throughout  the 
entire  church.  Each  Annual  Conference  shall 
make  an  apportionment  of  the  amount  to  be 
raised  by  each  charge.  One-third  of  the  amount 
secured  by  these  societies  shall  flow  into  the 
treasury  of  the  Board,  and  the  remaining  two- 
thirds  shall  belong  to  the  Annual  Conference  So- 
ciety for  its  own  use. 

^  204.  The  Board  shall  have  authority  to  make 
such  provision  as  it  may  deem  wise  and  proper 
for  honorary  membership  in  its  body ;  provided, 
that  no  honorary  member  shall  have  a  vote,  act- 
ting  only  as  an  advisory  member. 

^  205.  The  Proceedings  of  the  Board,  together 
with  a  quadrennial  report,  shall  be  submitted  to 


1«4  CHURCH   EXTENSION. 

the  General  Conference  for  review  and  approval. 
^  206.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding 
elder  to  bring  the  subject  of  Church  Extension 
to  the  attention  of  each  pastor  and  each  charge 
upon  his  district,  explaining  the  need  of  the  work, 
and  urging  that  at  least  the  amount  apportioned 
to  the  charge  be  raised.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
each  pastor  to  provide  for  the  diffusion  of  in- 
formation concerning  the  work  and  needs  of 
Church  Extension.  He  shall  preach,  or  cause 
to  be  preached  a  sermon  upon  this  subject  in  each 
congregation  in  every  year;  and  solicit  contribu- 
tions, endeavoring  to  secure  at  least  the  amount 
apportioned  to  his  charge. 

tl  207.  Corresponding    Secretary. 

The  chief  duties  of  the  corresponding  secretary 
shall  be  as  follows : 

(a)  To  gather  all  possible  information  upon 
missionary  work  and  church  extension  work  in 
general. 

(b)  To  familiarize  himself  with  the  conditions 
and  needs  of  both  these  interests  in  our  own 
Church,  so  as  to  be  able  to  spread  missionary 
and  church  extension  intelligence  amongst  our 
people. 

(c)  To  inaugurate  and  operate  some  sort  of  a 
"follow-up"  system  which  shall  help  us  to  care 
for  our  people  that  move  from  place  to  place,  and 
which  shall  help  to  guide  us  in  the  location  of 
new  missions. 


CHURCH  EXTENSION.  185 

(d)  To  endeavor  to  create  a  deeper  and  more 
widespread  interest  amongst  our  people  in  these 
subjects  as  the  Boards  may  direct,  as  also  to 
gather  funds  as  time  and  opportunity  may  permit. 

(c)  All  his  work  shall  be  under  the  super- 
vision of  these  respective  Boards,  in  accordance 
with  their  respective  laws,  and  as  mutually 
agreed  upon  between  them. 


TH:^  lORD'S  PRAYMR. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  Heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come. 
Thy  will  he  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 
And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive 
our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into  tempta- 
tion, but  deliver  us  from  evil:  For  Thine 
is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 


INDEX. 

Numbers  refer  to  the  Paragraph!. 

Agents'  Discount,   97 

Agents,  Responsibility  of 97 

Annual   Conference    ^Membership 80 

Annual  Conference  Order  of  Procedure,...  88 

Annual  Conference,  Powers  of, 87 

Annual  Conference  President, 82 

Annual  Conference  Secretary,    . 83 

Annual  Conference  Time  and  Place,   81 

Apostasy,   Article   on,    , 13 

Apeal  by  a  Bishop, 151 

Appeal  by  a  Lay  Member, 130 

Appeal  by  a  Minister, 145 

Appeals,  Court  of, 152 

Appeals  from  an  Annual  Conference,   153 

Appeals,  Triers  of, 152 

Appeals,  Use  of  Records  in.   161 

Applicants,   Questions   to 105 

Arbiters,  Verdict  of, 128 

Arbitration,    127-128 

Arbitration,   Refusal  of,   129 

Auxiliaries,    Missionary,    • 189 

Baptism,  Article  on,    21 

Baptism  of  Infants,   162 

Baptism  of   Adults,    163 

Bible  Study 48 

Bishop,  Charges  against  a 147 

186 


INDEX.  187 

Bishop,  Duties  of  a 120 

Bishop,   Election  of  a, no 

Bishop,  Relation  to  Annual  Conference.  ...  176 

Bishop,  Support  of  a,    176-177 

Bishop,  Trial  of  a, 147 

Bishop's  Trial,  Record  of. 149 

Business   Failure,    142 

Call  to  Preach,  Evidence  of  a 100 

Certificate,  Transfer  of  Membership 51-35 

Challenge,   Right   of,    ijL.i.^S.  148,  155 

Charges  against  a  Bishop, 150 

Charges  against  a    Layman, 123-126 

Charges  against  a  Minister, 135 

Charges,  How  Framed 158 

Charges,  Withdrawal  Under 159 

Charitable    Society, 200 

Church  Extension,    201 

Church,  The,  Article  on,   19 

Churches,  Building  of, 178 

Classes   and  Class  Officers 56 

Class  Officers,  Duties  of, 57 

Conduct,  Imprudent  and   Sinful 124.  141 

Conference  Members,  Directions  for 74 

Conferences,    The 73-74 

Corner  Stone  Laying 169 

Court  of  Appeals 152 

Court  of  Appeals,  Expenses  of. 156 

Court  of  Appeals,   Organization  of 154 

Deacons,   Reception   of, 107 

Deacons,  Ordination  of,   167 

Dedication  of  Churches, 170 


188  INDEX. 

Deeds,  Form  of i86 

Divorce 45 

Doctrines,   Disseminating  False, 143 

Editors 195 

Effective    Preaching 102 

Elders,   Reception  of,    108 

Elders,  Ordination  of,   168 

Evangelists, 115 

Evangelization,  Article  on 25 

Evidence  Admissible  at  Trials 160 

Executive  Committee,  Duties  of 194 

False  Doctrines,  Dissemination  of 143 

Funeral  Service 166 

General  Conference,  Election  of  Delegates  to,  90 

General  Conference  Membership 89 

General  Conference.  Order  of  Procedure  of,  97 

General  Conference  Officers,  Support  of,  ..  172 

General  Conference,  Powers  of 96 

General  Conference  President, 93 

General  Conference  Quorum.   .  .  .  , 95 

General  Conference  Secretary. 94 

General  Conference,  Time  and  Place 91 

General  Conference,    Special,    . 92 

Giving,    Christian 41-42 

God,   Article    on i 

Good  Works,  Article  on 12 

Government,  Civil.  Article  on 24 

Heaven.  Article  on 17 

Hell.  Article  on t8 

Holy  Scriptures,  The,  Article  on,  4 


INDEX.  189 

Holy  Spirit.  The.  Article  on t, 

Human  Depravity,  Article  on,   . 5 

Imniorality.  Gross 125 

Immorality,   Articles  on 14 

Incorporation.  Articles  of 187 

Itinerants 1 1 1 

Jesus  Christ.  Article  on 2 

Judgment.  The  Final.  Article  on 16 

Judicial    Conference.    149 

Judicial  Conference.  Record  of 149 

Jurisdiction  in  Trial  Courts, 157 

Justification,  Article  on,   8 

K.  L.  of  C.  E.,  70-72 

Local    Preachers 112 

Local  Preacher,   Duties  of  a. 116 

Lord's  Supper,  The,  Article  on 22 

Lord's  Supper.  Ritual  of  The, 164 

Managing  Board,  K.  L.  of  C.  E.,  71 

Marriage 43-44 

Marriage   Ceremony , 165 

Members,  Reception  of 49-50 

Membership.  Transfer  of 51-55 

Ministry,  The,  Article  on 20 

Ministers,    Inefficient 86 

Ministers,  General  Directions   for 98-100 

Ministers,  Hints  and  Directions  for loi 

Ministers.  Reception  of 104-115 

Ministers.  Official   Misconduct  of,    144 


190  INDEX. 

.Ministers,   Received   from   Other   Chtirches.  io6 

Ministers,   Support  of 171 

Missions.  Support  of.    188 

Missionaries.  Reports  of 190 

Missionary  Society,  Constitution  of 199 

Xeglect  of  Duty,  123-126 

Ordination   of  Deacons 167 

Ordination  of  Elders, 168 

Parsonages,  Building  Committee  of,    179 

Perfection.  Christian.  Article  on 26-32 

Plaintiff.  Appointment  of. 132 

Polit)',  Church,  Article  on 23 

Prayer,  Thoughts  on , 47 

Preacher  in  Charge,  Duties  of  a,    i  iS 

Preachers.  Charges  Against. 135 

Preachers.  Reception  of 104 

Preachers.   Trial  of 134 

Preaching    Places 103 

Presiding  Elder.  Duties  of  a 119 

Presiding  Elders,  Election  of,   109 

President  of  a  Trial 133 

Property.    Church 179 

Publication  Board 192 

Publication  Board.  Duties  of, 193 

Publication  Board.  Executive  Committee  of.  194 

Publication  Board.  Meetings  of, 193 

Publisher T96 

Publishing  Interests.   191 

Publishing  House  Profits,   198 


INDEX.  191 

Quarterly  Conference  Business,  78 

Quarterly   Conference    Members,    75 

Quarterly  Conference  Officers,    "j' 

Quarterly  Conference,  Order  of  Procedure,  79 

Quarterly  Conference.  Time  and  place  of,  .  76 

Recommendation  of  Preachers 104 

Regeneration,  Article  on, 9 

Repentance,  Article  on 7 

Resurrection,  The,  Article  on.   . ,'. 15 

Rules,  General, 33-36 

Rules,    Special,    t;] 

Rumors  against  a  Bishop 150 

Rumors  against  a  Preacher, 139,  144 

Salvation  Through  Christ,  Article  on 6 

Sanctification,   Article  on 11 

Seats  Free 185 

Singing,  Thoughts  on,    4() 

Slavery, 40 

Standing  Committee  on  Missions 188 

Stationing  of  Preachers  and  Presiding  Elders,  85 

Stewards,  Accountability  of 60 

Stewards  and  Their  Duties. 58-61 

Stewards,  Vacancies.  How  Filled 61 

Sunday-Schools,    62 

Sunday-Schools,  Management  of 63 

Sunday- School,  New  Organization  of 65 

Sunday-Schools  and  Their  Officers 62-69 

Sunday-School  Superintendents,  Duties  of..  66 

Sundap-School  Teachers'  Meeting,   68 


192  INDEX. 

Superannuated  Preachers 113 

Superannuated  Preachers,  Support  of,   ....  174 

Supernumerary   Preachers, 114 

Supernumerary  Preachers.  Support  of.   ....  173 

Suspension,    Temporary 140 

Temperance,    37. 39 

Temporal  Economy,  171 

Traveling  Preachers,  Duties  of  a,    117 

Transfer  of  Membership, 51-55 

Trials,   Church 121 

Trial  Court,   134 

Trial  Court,  Officers  of 136 

Trial  Court,  Records  of,   137 

Trial  of  Lay  Members 122 

Trial  of  Ministers 134-145 

Trial,  Evading  a 138 

Trustees  of  Church  Property,    180 

Trustees  of  Parsonages,    179 

Trustees,   Duties   of 180 

Trustees,  How  Elected 181 

Trustees,  Officers  of 182 

Trustees,  Records   of 183 

Trustees,  Report  of  to  Quarterly  Conference,  184 

Witness  of  the  Spirit.  Article  on ic 

Widows  and  Orphans,  Support  of 74-175 

Young  People's  Societies,   70 

Young  People's  Societies,  Managing  Board,  71 

Young  People's  Societies,  Affiliation  of,  ...  '/2 


